A Homeowner’s Guide to Bollards and Proper Placement

The safety and security of one's home are essential concerns for homeowners. Among the various threats, auto theft is a prevalent issue that affects residential properties. To address this concern, many homeowners are turning to bollards as an effective solution.

What are Bollards?

A bollard is a sturdy, short, vertical post. Bollards, originally designed for traffic management, urban planning, and commercial units, have found their way into residential settings as a reliable means of deterring auto theft in Toronto and the GTA.

Make sure the bollard is on your property.

When considering the installation of bollards to prevent auto theft in your residential property, it is important to ensure they are placed correctly within your property lines. Incorrect placement can lead to various issues, including legal complications and potential disputes with neighbours.

Here are some steps to make sure your bollards are within your property lines:

Get a copy of your Land Survey Plan

Search our database where we have the largest selection of existing Land Survey plans available online. Land survey plans provide accurate information about your property's boundaries, ensuring that your bollards are installed well within your property lines. If you cannot find an existing plan on our site, contact our customer service team as they may be able to help you locate one from an Ontario Land Surveyor. This step is crucial to avoid encroachment onto neighbouring properties or public spaces.

New SRPR

If you cannot find an existing survey plan, you may need to contact a local surveyor to have a new one completed. This is more expensive than obtaining an existing survey plan, however a crucial part of your bollard placement.

Consider a Boundary Stakeout

Consider a Land Surveyor placing visible markers at the corners of your property. These markers, often small stakes, or posts, will clearly delineate your property lines, making it easier for the installation team to place the bollards correctly.

Look for Easements!

In some cases, your property may have easements or rights of way, for instance, a shared driveway that allows access to a neighbor or utility companies. If you are not sure if you have an Easement on your property, check out your property page on our website by typing in your property address below. Our easement counter will let you know of any possible easements on the property.

If you need more information on an Easement on your property, you can order an Easement Report directly from our website that will give you a clear description of any easements on your property.

Be sure to check for easements before your bollard installation to prevent blocking someone’s access!

Conclusion

By obtaining a copy of your survey plan, homeowners can ensure that their bollards are positioned correctly within their property lines. Proper placement not only helps prevent auto theft but also avoids potential legal complications and conflicts with neighbours or local authorities. Prioritizing accuracy and compliance with local regulations is essential for a successful and hassle-free bollard installation.

Disclaimer:

Bollards are generally legal in Toronto, however, there may be specific regulations and bylaws governing their installation and use, especially in public areas or within certain municipalities. Local zoning laws and regulations may have specific requirements regarding the installation of security measures like bollards. Check with your local government or municipality to understand any zoning restrictions or permitting requirements. It's essential to ensure compliance with these regulations to prevent any potential legal issues.