Hung out to dry

How can a new subdivision ban a clothesline if it is not an actual municipal bylaw?

According to Derek Hannan, manager of bylaw services for the Town of Ajax, there isn't a bylaw outlawing clotheslines.

"It's a covenant in deed of the property. It's an agreement with the developer" that clotheslines can't be put up, he says. This doesn't apply to umbrella-style clotheslines, only those clotheslines that stretch across a property.

"If you get a good gust of win, clothes will be flapping in your neighbour's yard."

It has to do with "sightlines and enjoying your backyard," Mr. Hannan said.

Comments

[K.Allen]

Thanks for the information. I learned that if a resident did put a clothesline up even if there is a covenant in place the only way to enforce it is through the courts.

Removing covenants is also expensive as it must be done through the courts.

That would mean someone has to really have their knickers in a knot about someone elses knickers!

By-law officers do not enforce a convenant so it would be the builder or a resident association that would have to pay the costs.

Builders should be promoting to residents about umbrella style or even better-- have one installed in the yard for them.