Understanding Kingston bylaws helps you make responsible choices as a member of the 黑料吃瓜资源 and Kingston communities. Following local bylaws supports a safe, respectful neighbourhood and helps you avoid fines, conflicts with neighbours or police, and potential Student Code of Conduct consequences.
University District Safety Initiative (UDSI)
The UDSI helps reduce pressure on emergency services during times when large street gatherings typically occur; such as: move-in, Orientation Week, Homecoming, and St. Patrick's Day.
Noise Bylaw
Kingston's Noise Bylaw helps reduce excessive noise in residential areas. Being mindful of noise at all hours shows respect for your neighbours and helps you avoid fines or complaints. How to minimize noise:
Keep social gatherings indoors and close doors and windows to contain sounds.
Be aware of shared walls in houses and apartments.
Avoid yelling, slamming doors, or honking horns.
Amplified music or sound that disturbs others is prohibited at all times. Persistent noise from pets is also now allowed.
Nuisance Party Bylaw
The Nuisance Party Bylaw introduced by the City of Kingston in 2018, outlines behaviours that can lead to a gathering being declared a nuisance party. If this happens, everyone attending may be held responsible.
Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs)
Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) were introduced in 2020 to help the City of Kingston respond more effectively to nuisance behaviours. If you're found participating in activities that violate local bylaws, you may receive a penalty notice instead of a Provincial Offences Act ticket. A list of AMPs can be found at the link below.
Responsible hosting
Check out our Responsible Hosting page for practical tips and guidelines to help you host gatherings safely, respectfully, and in line with Kingston bylaws.
Other important bylaws
There are many other Kingston bylaws you and your housemates should be familiar with, such as property maintenance, waste and recycling, parking, utilities, and more. Visit the City of Kingston's website to find answers to all your bylaw questions and stay informed as a responsible community member.
Common UDSI & Bylaw FAQ's
Find answers to commonly asked questions.
The University District Safety Initiative (UDSI) is activated during times when large unsanctioned gatherings typically occur. This includes move-in, Orientation Week, Homecoming, and St. Patrick's Day. When the UDSI is in effect, the City of Kingston and the OCLA office will post through social media channels.
Kingston has a 24/7 Noise Bylaw, meaning that excessive noise is not permitted at any time. If Bylaw Officers determine your noise is disruptive, they can issue a ticket, which you must either pay or appeal through the City of Kingston. See the 鈥痜or more information.
You can have open alcohol on your own property, but the sidewalk is city property. Open alcohol on public property is illegal, even if it's directly in front of your house.
During the University District Safety Initiative (UDSI), some offences come with a mandatory court appearance (a Part I Court Summons) and higher fines to deter disruptive behaviour. If you receive a summons, you must appear before a Justice of the Peace in Kingston.
Kingston Police can declare a gathering a nuisance party if any of the following occurs:
- Public intoxication
- Distribution of alcohol
- Littering
- Property damage
- Blocking roads or sidewalks
- Excessive noise (eg, shouting or loud music)
- Open burning or fireworks
- Fights
- Public urination
- Being on a roof
You can be fined for hosting or attending a nuisance party. During the UDSI, Bylaw Officers issue Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs), which must be paid to the City of Kingston.
Yes. Under Ontario's Liquor Licence and Control Act, public intoxication is illegal. During times of increased enforcement (like the UDSI) you are more likely to receive a fine.
Not always. If you receive a Part I Summons, your name appears on a public document shared with the University. The Student Conduct Office reviews each case individually to determine whether the Student Code of Conduct was violated.
You can reduce your risk by:
- Not carrying open alcohol off your property
- Not breaking glass on streets or sidewalks
- Staying off roofs, avoiding large crowds, and keeping roads clear
- Complying with the requests from Bylaw and Police (eg, turn down music, clear your house)
- Knowing your limits. Drink water, eat food and look out for friends