RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the request for variance from the
requirements of By-law 277-97 (Fence By-law), as amended, for the construction
a 1.5 metre decorative metal fence in the east yard of 20 Lakevista Avenue, be
granted.
BACKGROUND:
A request for an exemption to the Fence By-law has been received.
On March
4, 2004 the
Clerk’s Department received a letter from John and Renee Procenko requesting an
exemption from the 1.2 metre (4 foot) front yard height restriction contained
in the Fence By-law to permit the construction of a 1.5 metre high decorative
metal fence.
The subject property is a corner lot. The Fence
By-law deems the proposed fence location to be the front yard. The Fence By-law
considers the shorter of the two lot lines abutting a street as the front lot
line. The house, however, actually faces the longer lot line making the area in
question appear and function as an exterior side yard.
The applicants indicate in their letter that
they feel that a 1.5 metre high fence would provide greater safety for their
children while playing in this yard. They also indicated a preference for the
selection of attractive and quality residential decorative metal fences
available in the 1.5 metre height over the selection of metal fences available
in the 1.2 metre height.
OPTIONS/DISCUSSION:
The proposed fence is appropriate for the
surrounding neighbourhood and the subject property.
The surrounding subdivision is approximately 30
to 40 years old. The lots, yards and street boulevards are generous in area and
dimension in comparison to those of contemporary subdivisions. The building and
yard pattern generates a streetscape that is expansive in character.
Many corner lots in the surrounding subdivision
have similarly located fences. Most of these fences are wooden privacy fences
approximately 1.5 to 1.8 metres in height. The space enclosed by the fences is
generally spacious. The fence locations do not leave the impression of
overpowering or crowding the houses or streets.
Installation of this style of fence represents
an improvement over many of the corner lot fences established elsewhere in the
neighbourhood. The proposed fence is visually open, allowing for views into and
through the yard. Because of this open characteristic it would have very little
impact on the streetscape. Vehicular site lines would remain unaffected by the
installation of the proposed fence. Its style would also harmonize with the
appearance of the house.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
There are no financial considerations
associated with this report.
BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:
No other business units have been consulted in
regard to this report.
ATTACHMENTS:
Figure 1: Location Map
Figure 2: Site Plan
Figure 3: Streetscape
Figure 4: Fence Style
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Valerie Shuttleworth, M.C.I.P., R.P.P.
Director of Planning and Urban Design
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Jim Baird, M.C.I.P., R.P.P.
Commissioner of Development Services
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DOCUMENT: Q:\Development\Design\EAST\MARKHAM\Reports\Fence
By-law Exemption Lakevista.doc
