🔑 General Rules About Side Yards

Side yards are not meant for storage, they are regulated as required open space between homes for fire access, drainage, and safety.

Temporary storage (like garbage/recycling bins, landscaping tools, or seasonal items) is usually tolerated if it's tidy, safe, and doesn't obstruct access.

🚫 What's Not Allowed

Storing construction materials, junk, furniture, or equipment long-term in a side yard. This can lead to Property Standards or By-law Enforcement orders.

Blocking fire routes, drainage swales, or access. Fire and building codes require side yards to remain accessible.

Placing sheds or storage containers in the side yard if they don’t meet the zoning setbacks (most accessory structures must be a minimum distance from property lines and cannot be squeezed between houses without permits).