If you are the Christmas person in your neighbourhood and you decide to move to a strata and plan to put out your regular array of lights, trees, music and ornaments a key piece to enjoying your holidays is checking the strata’s seasonal bylaws when you review strata regulations before you firm up your purchase.
Its easy to forget when its a sunny July day when you decide to down size to the perfect little strata property but some home buyers have had a bit of a shock if they later find out that the strata’s holiday regulations don’t allow for all holiday festivities you may want to decorate the exterior of your home and yard with. These holiday bylaws exist in many strata corporations. Why might you ask? The answer is Strata corporations in Canada often implement bylaws or rules regarding holiday decorations to maintain a consistent appearance, ensure safety, and respect all residents' rights.
Below are potential bylaws or rules that may restrict what owners can do with Christmas or other holiday decorations that have been seen in Strata developments:
1. Timing Restrictions
Installation Period: Decorations can only be put up starting a specific date (e.g., December 1) and must be removed by a set deadline (e.g., January 7).
Daily Timing: Lighted decorations may only be illuminated during certain hours (e.g., 6 PM–10 PM).
2. Placement Rules
Common Areas: No personal decorations are allowed in common areas such as lobbies, hallways, or shared outdoor spaces unless pre-approved by the strata council.
Balconies and Exteriors: Restrictions may limit what can be displayed on balconies, doors, or visible exterior windows to avoid visual clutter.
Prohibited Fixtures: Rules may prohibit affixing decorations using nails, screws, or adhesives that can damage the property.
3. Size and Type of Decorations
Size Limitations: Oversized inflatables, large displays, or decorations that obstruct views or passageways may be prohibited.
Light Restrictions: Limitations on the type (e.g., only LED lights) or color schemes to maintain uniformity.
Prohibited Items: Certain items such as loud sound systems, excessively bright lights, or moving decorations (e.g., motorized Santa displays) may not be allowed.
4. Safety Considerations
Electrical Hazards: Decorations must meet safety standards (e.g., CSA-approved lights) to prevent fire risks. Overloading electrical circuits may be explicitly prohibited.
Blocking Access: Decorations that obstruct emergency exits, pathways, or stairs are typically banned.
Secured Items: Decorations must be securely fastened to prevent hazards from wind or falling objects.
5. Inclusivity and Neutrality
Non-Religious Emphasis: Strata corporations may require decorations in common areas to be neutral and inclusive, avoiding overtly religious symbols like nativity scenes or menorahs.
Equal Opportunity: If decorations are allowed, they may need to represent multiple holidays (e.g., Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa) to reflect the diversity of residents.
6. Noise and Disturbances
Prohibited Sound Effects: Decorations emitting sounds, music, or automated greetings may be restricted to prevent disturbance to neighbors.
7. Approval Process
Pre-Approval for Major Displays: Owners may need to submit a proposal for elaborate or unique decorations for strata council approval.
Fines for Non-Compliance: Bylaws may include fines for unauthorized decorations or failure to remove them by the specified deadline.
8. Eco-Friendliness
Energy-Efficient Lighting: Some strata may require the use of energy-efficient lighting to align with sustainability initiatives.
Waste Management: Rules may govern the disposal of decorations, such as Christmas trees, to ensure proper waste handling.
9. Enforcement of Bylaws
Reporting Mechanism: Residents can report bylaw violations, and the strata council is responsible for enforcement.
Progressive Penalties: Non-compliance might result in warnings, followed by fines or orders to remove decorations.
For some Clients the ability to do Christmas decor the way they want is a deal breaker on a sale so thats why I always advise to thoroughly review all strata documents to make sure that things like holidays rules and bylaws line up with your home holiday goals.
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