November 9, 1998
To:Scarborough Community Council
From:Harold Bratten, P.Eng.
Director, Municipal Standards
Subject:REQUEST FOR FENCE EXEMPTION
Joseph and Margaret Csizik
4427 Lawrence Avenue
Ward 16 - Scarborough Highland Creek
Purpose:
The applicants are seeking an exemption to the by-law to allow an existing board on board fence, varying in height from
1.8 metres (6 feet) to 1.98 metres (6.5 feet) extending into the street yard, to remain in its present location.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Nil
Recommendations:
It is recommended that Council approve the application to permit a board on board fence at a height varying in height
from 1.8 metres (6 feet) to 1.98 metres (6.5 feet) to remain in the street yard a distance of 7.98 metres (26.2 feet).
Background/History:
Acting upon a complaint, an inspection of a fence was conducted at property municipally known as 4427 Lawrence
Avenue East. The inspection was undertaken by the road allowance enforcement unit on July 21, 1998. Inspection
revealed a fence approximately 1.8 metres (6 feet) in height constructed into the street yard and abutting at and running
parallel to the sidewalk. A notice was issued to remove the fence from city property and this was subsequently done by the
owner.
An additional complaint regarding the fence height was received by the Division in August. The subsequent inspection
revealed a 1.2 metre (4 foot) board on board fence constructed along the front property line parallel to the sidewalk and a
1.8 metre (6 foot) to 1.98 metre (6.5 foot) board on board fence constructed in the street yard abutting the west side of the
applicant's driveway. A notice was issued on September 11, 1998, directing that the fence be brought into conformity
with By-law 24945, as amended. In response, a request for a fence exemption was received on September 23. The owners
indicate that the purpose of the fence is to provide privacy and security for the property.
The owners indicate that owing to the width of the driveway, it is possible to turn around in the driveway prior to exiting,
thus eliminating the need for a sight line triangle. Inspection of the property indicates that a vehicle backing out of the
driveway could have some difficulty seeing pedestrians walking along the sidewalk. It is noted that the fence is set back
two or three feet from the sidewalk and not much of the fence would have to be lowered to accommodate an eight foot
sight triangle. Such a sight line could be established if the 1.98 metre (6.5 foot) fence is allowed to project into the street
yard a maximum distance of 7.98 metres (26.2 feet) from the front of the garage.
Justification:
Section 14 of By-law 24945, as amended, provides that any person may apply for an exemption to any provision of the
by-law.
Contact Name:
Bryan Byng, District Manager
(416) 396-7071
(416) 396-4266 Fax Number
byng#u#b@city.scarborough.on.ca
Harold Bratten, P.Eng.
Director, Municipal Standards
Urban Planning and Development Services
BB
