Boulevard landscaping encroachments

What is Encroachment?

"Encroachment" is defined as "any type of vegetation, man-made object or item of personal property of a person which exists wholly upon, or extends from a person’s premises onto, public lands and shall include any aerial, surface or subsurface encroachments.

What is Boulevard?

"Boulevard" means:

1. on a street with curbs, the portion of street between the outside curb and the adjoining property line, and
2. on a street without curbs, the portion of street between the edge of the roadway and
   the adjoining property line.

What are the primary examples of landscape boulevard encroachments?

Typical boulevard encroachments consist of fences, gates, hedges, steps, rockeries, planters, and garden areas.

How does the City regulate boulevard encroachments?

The Encroachment By-law, No. 4243 establishes the rules upon which encroachments may be accepted and how they are to be validated. The Encroachment By-law is administered by Engineering Services. Boulevard encroachments such as such as fences, hedges, steps, rockeries, planters, are referred to the Streets Administration Branch. Typically legal agreements and related fees do not apply.

Under what circumstances will the City accept existing landscaping boulevard encroachments?

The City can accept boulevard encroachments provided that Engineering Services is satisfied as to the safety and advisability of such encroachment.

Will the City consider new encroachments?

Yes, planting is allowed within guidelines. See the Guidelines for Planting City Boulevards.

Contact information

Encroachment inspections and administration