The Town of Newmarket’s modernized fence bylaw is expected to be in full effect in time for the annual spring cleanup when property owners’ thoughts turn to sprucing up their yards.
Most notably, the new draft fence bylaw will now permit homeowners to put up the increasingly popular privacy screens around hot tubs, decks and pools that partially screen a yard to allow for increased privacy.
Fence heights at the rear of yards have been increased to seven feet, up from six feet, and interior and exterior side yard fences get a bump in height, too, from five feet to six feet.
“Typically, we like to take a look at our bylaws in a holistic fashion and see where they need to be updated on a continuous basis,” acting town clerk Kiran Saini said. “We identified the fence bylaw as one that needs to be updated because staff have received a number of requests for variances from the existing six-foot height, and that precipitated a review. In addition, the current fence bylaw doesn’t allow residents to put up privacy screens. And that’s something quite popular you’ll see in other communities.”
A few curious residents turned out for the town’s March 7 public meeting on the changes coming to the fence bylaw, but there’s still time to have your say.
Until March 22, residents can provide feedback on the draft bylaw or ask questions through the town’s Hey Newmarket page.
So far, 16 residents have responded to a poll question asking if they would like to see rear fence heights increased from six to seven feet, with 63 per cent in favour and 38 per cent against the proposed height increase.
For the first time, the provision of costs for division fences is separated out into its own bylaw, Saini said. Neighbours are responsible to share half the cost of a standard chain link fence to mark the boundary between two properties.
But if a homeowner wishes to build an upgraded fence using materials such as wood, wrought iron, vinyl or PVC, it will be up to neighbours to negotiate the cost between themselves. The town does not get involved in fence-cost disputes.
Before building a fence or designing your new privacy screen, you are advised to consult the bylaw so as to not run afoul of any of the proposed new rules. A contravention of the bylaw is considered a provincial offence and can carry fines ranging from $350 up to $100,000.
The draft fence bylaw will be presented to council for consideration at the April 8 committee of the whole meeting. It’s expected to go before council for final approval April 15.
