Townhouse backyard question

[fluiditee]

Can someone please explain to me in VERY beginner language what happens to corner lot backyards when the fences go in? I'm pretty sure we have to provide access to the inner backyards, but do we have to give access THROUGH our backyard, or do we give up some space at the end and create a walkway for people to get in through? We're first time owners and have no clue.
The main reason I'm asking is that we have 2 dogs.

[babymaeby]

I don't think you have to provide any access at all.

[Danny]

Its freehold, your welcome to put in a gate and do not need to provide any access to the neighbors yards.

[jrb]

Danny is correct.

That was the first question I asked when i bought.

[fluiditee]

What are people doing in general though? Are they providing access in general? I don't want to be the one jerky neighbour that doesn't provide access while everyone else has (although I will admit, having my full backyard without any easements or gates would be fantastic!).

[babymaeby]

What are people doing in general though? Are they providing access in general? I don't want to be the one jerky neighbour that doesn't provide access while everyone else has (although I will admit, having my full backyard without any easements or gates would be fantastic!).

None of the townhouses have fences yet so there isn't really an answer to your question but I will tell you what we expect.

We are an inside lot and don't expect or want anyone to provide us access to their backyard. We try not to walk through their backyards even now, with no fences. We've carried the lawnmower through the house on grass cutting days (It's not that hard.) Eventually we will get a small shed to keep garden stuff out back, otherwise we walk it through from our garage.

So don't worry. I don't think anyone is expecting to get to walk through your backyard...your dogs are fine!

[May2010]

Hi Fluid - I'm 127 also - TH in the middle of the row. I was assuming I'd be doing the lawn mower through the house thing as well. Wouldn't assume that I'd being going through other's yards. Although I'm not opposed to a neighbour going through my yard, with their lawn mower if they mow my lawn on the way through!

[Claudia]

I heard they leave a lane or a "right of way" so everyone can enter from the end, the walk down to their yard

[fluiditee]

I heard they leave a lane or a "right of way" so everyone can enter from the end, the walk down to their yard

We had our design appointment on Wednesday so we asked about the fencing situation, just for kicks. The sales reps weren't exactly sure, but one of them did call someone to find out more. It looks like MAYBE for row 127, there will be a lane way in between the row and the houses behind us. But they're not 100% sure and said we should ask when we go to Mattamy U.

[BrianNSara]

According to the preliminary there is no lane-way..

http://i38.tinypic.com/2v9xdll.jpg

[fluiditee]

Hmm... doesn't look like there is one in that pic. It kind of makes me think there will be one on Abbott Crescent though because there is something that looks like a laneway and is marked 1.75m on the prelimanary on that street. I guess we'll have to wait and see at Mattamy U!

[MikenTeta]

It should be outlined in the documents from the lawyers. We came from a townhouse and all of the information was provided at that time.

[May2010]

I looked at the same plan but for 127 on Abbott and at the end of the back yards on this row there is a section showing as easement. Not sure if that is what they were referring to.

[lissa1729]

Hi fluiditee,

We were at the mattamy university last night and also have 2 dogs and are an end unit. (59 Michigan Ave) You can completely fence in your yard otherwise we wouldnt have bought these townhouses. And dont feel bad in doing so because we will be fully enclosing ours due to our dogs as well and for privacy of course. I dont think anyone expects you to leave a walkway for them, we specifically bought an end unit becuase friends of ours told us about their lawnmower issue. Also they did say that you shouldnt put up a fence or deck until your backyard has gone through 4 complete seasons and the ground has settled which it is checked for grading in a year and if you put up a fence now and the grading has to be changed to be certified they can tear down your fence and deck and you have wasted alot of money.

Hope this helps.
what kind of dogs do you have?

[Bubba]

Yup nothing stopping you from building a fence, just that you might have to rebuild it if there is a grade repair issue after the yard settles. They re-grade the back yard if neccessary to ensure proper drainage.

[fluiditee]

what kind of dogs do you have?

Thanks Lissa, that does help! We knew about waiting for the grading to be completed before building a fence, but I gotta tell ya, I can't wait for the day that we can just let our dogs out from the back door and let them run around in the backyard! It's good that we have the park right across from our house though.

We have a 10 month old puppy named Bubba who is a basset hound/sharpei cross (and A LOT of work!), and a 5-6 year old hound cross named Venture. We're not sure the details on Venture because he's a rescue from Ohio. I'm sure you'll see us walking them through the neighbourhood, or in the park all the time!

What about you? What kind of dogs do you have?

[lissa1729]

Great! we will probably meet you in the park! we have a 2 1/2 year old Puggle named Otis and a 1 1/2 Jug (pug.jack russell) named finnegan they are alot of work as well, but couldnt imagine our lives without them. We are on michigan 125-1 so close to the village park! We have been on the trails it is so nice to have!!! we will definetly have to look out for you. We move in may 24 weekend!

[nolanreid]

I would really like to know what is happening with the f9ences in the townhomes... I am at 9 gander lane and plan on building my fence in the next month or so .... do we need a walkway? i am a inside lot

[babymaeby]

I would really like to know what is happening with the f9ences in the townhomes... I am at 9 gander lane and plan on building my fence in the next month or so .... do we need a walkway? i am a inside lot

Call the City of Cambridge, find out if the engineering firm contracted by Mattamy has approved your grading, and then build your fence. No walkway required.

[gagnon777]

Hey there, we used to live in a Mattamy townhouse (another location) and you have the right to fully fence in your backyard with no access for anyone else. It is completely up to you if you wish to do (I mean, if you're friends live next door and you want to give them access). But you can fence it all in and don't feel guilty about it.