Clothelines in Vancouver??

Question

We are having this conversation at work on a cold winter's day (in Melbourne) My colleagues sister lives in Vancouver (in a house) and she says that she is not allowed to have a clothesline and hang her clothes out to dry! They have to hang inside on airers. Is this true??

Answer 1

In West Van its considered too peasant like to use clotheslines.  They only breathe rarified air and drink mountain spring water from crystal glasses in that area...

the rest of us poor slobs in the lower mainland can have clotheslines.  

Answer 2

My aunt lives in the nearby suburb of Burnaby and she and her neighbors all have clotheslines. I don't know why your colleague's sister shouldn't be allowed.  

Answer 3

There is no such rule in Vancouver if one owns a house.

In that case it is that persons property, and  he or she can do whatever they want.

There are lots of houses with a clothes line(where I live included).

The city might have a stipulation that it cannot be in the front yard.

The only time there might be such a rule is if your colleague's sister lives in a townhouse/townhome or condo complex. In that case the strata council makes the rules.

Answer 4

It might be true - I live in Vancouver but my best friend lives in Victoria and in the particular neighbourhood she lives in, they have rules like that - no clotheslines, and they are restricted as to what colour they can paint their house. I can see that being a rule in *some* neighbourhoods - where does she live? If it's in West Vancouver or some neighbourhoods in North Vancouver, I could totally believe that it's true.  

Answer 5

I've heard of some subdivisions  in the United States with associations akin to Homeowners Associations banning residents from hanging clotheslines.  The rationale is that it is an eyesore.  But given that so many Canadians are pro-environment, I can't see this type of regulation finding its way into Canada, especially any part of Vancouver.

Answer 6

Jenm gave a really good answer but I just wanted to say I would never hang my laundry outside anyways cause you never know when it's going to start raining!