Navigating a City of Kingston Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP)
Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) are immediate fines that can be issued by the City of Kingston pursuant to the city's bylaws. While our office cannot give specific advice on matters enforced by the city, the information below may be useful to provide a general understanding of the process.
What is an AMP?
An AMP is a fine issued by the City of Kingston for a Bylaw Violation that would usually be processed by the Provincial Offences Court. AMPs were put in place to help prevent adding to the backlog in the Provincial Offences Court caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reasons you can be issued a penalty notice?
There are a variety of reasons for which the City of Kingston may issue you a penalty notice. The most common reasons include:
- Hosting a Nuisance Party - $2000
- Violating the Noise Bylaw - $100-200
- Failing to comply with an Emergency Order (i.e. violating a COVID-19 regulation) - $2000
See a full list at City of Kingston Administrative Monetary Penalties.
City of Kingston Adminstrative Monetary PenaltiesWhat do I do if I am issued a penalty notice?
You have two options after receiving a penalty notice.
- You can pay the amount by the date listed on the notice.
- You can appeal the AMP.
How do I appeal an AMP?
You can request a review of your AMP within up to 15 days after you receive the notice. There is a $50 Screening Officer Appeal Fee associated with the process, which can be paid in person or over the phone. A City of Kingston Screening Officer will then set a meeting to review the AMP. The Screening Officer can cancel, reduce, or extend the time for payment of the AMP if they are satisfied that:
- There is reason to doubt the Bylaw violation occurred
- You took all reasonable steps to avoid violating the Bylaw
- It is necessary to relieve undue financial hardship.
If the Screening Officer upholds the penalty notice, there is a final appeal option. After receiving the Screen Officer's decision, you have 15 days to appeal the decision to the City of Kingston Hearings Officer. There is a $200 Hearing Officer Appeal Fee associated with this process, which can be paid in person or via phone.
Queen’s Legal Aid
Queen’s Legal Aid provides free legal services to Queen's students and community members in the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox, and Addington (KFL&A) region.
Office of the University Ombudsperson
Office of the University Ombudsperson provides general advice to Queen’s community members about their rights and responsibilities