Archive for August, 2015
Bylaw Basics for Privacy Walls & A/C Units
Tuesday, August 18th, 2015Privacy Walls:
There have been instances where the City has refused Compliance because of the lack of a privacy wall! Yes, the City insisted that a Privacy Wall be constructed prior to granting Compliance!
-Semi-detached and townhouse type dwellings ( specifically where neighbors are sharing a common party wall), and where a deck has been constructed along the boundary wall, a privacy wall of at least 2m be no more than 3m in height, from the surface of the deck and for the full length of the deck must be constructed.
Air Condition Units:
-A building permit is required for an A/C Unit!
-A/C units are allowed in the front or rear or one side setback area. However, there must at all times be at least one side yard setback area that has the full unobstructed 1.2m side yard setback. If not, you may still need a relaxation for the A/C unit, as discussed below.
– The A/C must not project more than 1m into a required setback area. Where the A/C unit exceeds this projection, an application for relaxation is required.
– A/C unit side yard setbacks have become an issue since the change in the bylaws in 2007, which came effective June 2008. Therefore, it is important to know the installation date of the A/C unit. If the home owner can show, via invoice copies, the unit was installed prior to June 2008, then it would be grandfathered and no relaxation will be required.
Always contact the City for any changes or upgrades to their regulations.