May 12, 1999
To:Scarborough Community Council
From:Bryan Byng
East District Manager
Municipal Licensing and Standards
Subject:REQUEST FOR FENCE HEIGH EXEMPTION
Peter HUMBLE
3 Spraywood Gate
Scarborough Highland Creek
Purpose:
The applicant is seeking an exemption to permit an existing 1.8 metre (6 feet) solid board
fence to remain as constructed in the streetyard whereas By-law 24945 as amended permits a
maximum height of 1.2 metres (4 feet).
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
NIL
Recommendations:
That City Council approve the request for a fence exemption enclosing the rear yard at
premises municipally known as 3 Spraywood Gate and further, that a 1.8 metre sight triangle
be incorporated into the fence design when the fence is replaced.
Background/History:
Acting upon a complaint received, an inspection of the property known municipally as 3
Spraywood Gate was undertaken on March 9, 1999. The inspection revealed a solid board
fence 1.8 metres (6 feet) in height enclosing the rear yard of this corner lot. As a result of the
inspection, a notice under Fence By-law 24945 as amended was issued to the registered owner
on March 12, 1999.
Subsequent to this notice, a site meeting between the owner and the area inspector was
undertaken on March 23rd. At that time, the provisions of the by-law were explained.
Following this meeting, a request for exemption from the by-law was received. The home
owner noted that a fence at the current height has been in place for the past twenty five years
and was last updated approximately ten years ago.
Comments:
The subject property is located at the north-east corner of the intersection of Spraywood Gate
and Slan Avenue. The fence involved with the application is of solid board construction and
encloses the rear yard. A sidewalk runs parallel to the fence and is separated by 150mm (6
inches) grassed area. Visibility towards the intersection is unobstructed while an existing
boulevard provides adequate sight visibility of vehicles heading north on Spraywood.
The one concern is sight visibility for vehicles backing from the driveway in relation to
pedestrians using the sidewalk. This problem could be eliminated through the creation of a 1.8
metre (6feet) sight triangle.
The Division recognizes however, that the fence has been in existence for a period of at least
ten years and the current situation has not presented problems to this point. In light of this, the
Division considers it reasonable to permit the fence to remain at the current height of 1.8
metres ( 6 feet) until a new fence is erected. At that point, a 1.8 metre (6 feet) sight triangle
should be incorporated at the driveway to improve visibility.
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
East District Manager
(416) 396-7731
(416) 396-4266 Fax Number
byng#u#b@city.scarborough.on.ca
Bryan Byng
District Manager
Municipal Licensing and Standards
Urban Planning and Development Services
BB:es
