London’s recently updated (June 23, 2026) Yard and Maintenance Bylaw PW-15 has the following restrictions on Perennial Flower Gardens:

• Height does not exceed 0.9m (3 feet) within any Corner Visibility Triangle or Driveway Visibility Triangle (see definitions and sketches for these below).
• No Prohibited Plants (see Schedule “A” below for the current list of prohibited plants)
• The garden may not create a public health or safety hazard, or a nuisance.

If you are found guilty of contravening any of these conditions, you are subject to a fine. If you don’t correct the situation, the city can make the corrections and charge you for the expense (typically on your tax bill).

Following are excerpt from the bylaw that apply to perennial flower garden, with the most relevant in italics and bolded

Excerpts from the Yard and Maintenance Bylaw – PW-15, June 23, 2026 version

“Corner Visibility Triangle” means a triangular area formed within a corner lot by the intersecting lot lines abutting two streets, or the projections thereof, and a straight line connecting them 5.4 metres (17.7 feet) from their point of intersection.

“Driveway Visibility Triangle” means a triangular area formed by the intersection of the lateral limit of the travelled portion of a driveway and the street line or sidewalk (if existing) or the projections thereof, and a straight line connecting them 2.7 metres (8.9 feet) from their point of intersection.

“Vegetative Growth” means a plant garden and includes, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, an annual or perennial flower garden, food garden, rain garden, hedge, shrub, plant, vine, and groundcover, but does not include trees or Lawn.

2.2 Removal of Refuse, Prohibited Plants, and Graffiti

1. An Owner shall remove any Refuse from their Land so that it is left in a clean and clear condition.
2. An Owner shall ensure their Land is kept clean, clear, and free from objects or conditions, that may create a public health or safety hazard, or a nuisance.
3. An Owner shall ensure their Land is kept free and clear of any Prohibited Plants.

2.3 Vegetative Growth & Lawn

1. An Owner shall ensure Lawn on their Land does not exceed 20cm (8 inches) in height or length.
2. An Owner shall ensure Vegetative Growth on their Land does not exceed 0.9m (3 feet) in height within any Corner Visibility Triangle or Driveway Visibility Triangle.
3. An Owner shall ensure that Vegetative Growth or Lawn on their Land do not create a public health or safety hazard, or a nuisance.

3.3 Vegetative Growth and Lawn – fail to maintain - prohibited

No Owner shall fail to maintain Vegetative Growth or Lawn on their Land in accordance with the provisions of this by-law.

5.1 Offence – fine for contravention

Any person who contravenes any provision of this by-law is, upon conviction, guilty of an offence and is liable to any penalty as provided in the Provincial Offences Act.

5.3 Default – not remedied – fee

Where anything required or directed to be done in accordance with this by-law is not done, the Director may upon such notice as they deem suitable, do such thing at the expense of the Owner, and in so doing may charge an administrative fee as provided in the City of London Fees and Charges By-law.. Any expenses and fees incurred by the City that are not paid by the Owner may be recovered by action or by adding the costs to the municipal tax roll and collecting them in the same manner as property taxes.

5.4 Removal - immediate disposal

Where any of the matters or things are removed in accordance with section 5.3 of this by-law, the matters or things may be immediately disposed of by the Director.

5.5 Officer – entry to inspect

An Officer designated to perform inspections pursuant to this by-law may, at all reasonable times, enter onto Land for the purposes of inspection of the Land.

5.6 City – bring property to compliance

Where the City proceeds pursuant to section 5.3 of this by-law, an Officer may enter onto Land accompanied by any person under their direction and with the appropriate equipment as required to bring the property into compliance with this by-law.

5.7 Order to Discontinue Activity

If an Officer is satisfied that this by-law has been contravened, the officer may make an order, known as an Order to Discontinue Activity, requiring the person who contravened the by-law, or who caused or permitted the contravention, or the Owner of the Land on which the contravention occurred, to discontinue the contravention.

5.10 Work Order – contravention of by-law

If an Officer is satisfied that a contravention of the by-law has occurred, the Officer may make an order, known as a Work Order, requiring the person who contravened the by-law or who caused or permitted the contravention or the Owner of the Land on which the contravention occurred to do the work to correct the contravention.

Schedule "A” - Prohibited Plants

January 15, 2025

* excludes edible varieties