Condo giving my bike the boot | Page 2 | GTAMotorcycle.com

Condo giving my bike the boot

Forum Sponsor
Twoth said:
So my condo board has given me til the end of the month to remove my bike from the space in front of my car... guess I won't be riding much this year :(. Now I dont know if I should keep it and leave it at a friends place to ride rarely or just sell it and cry my way though this summer.
Anyone else have to deal with their condo like this?
Click to expand...
If you are in the vicinity of Spadina and the water front, we can arrange something, I have a 2 car spot and plenty of space for an extra bike
 
There's like 5 bikes in my underground with 2 being in the same spot as the owner's other vehicle. The rest park in the areas marked as not being parking spots. You need a better condo.

Rent another spot or get a car cover made that covers your bike and makes your car look like a wagon. Just have to get used to backing your car up.
 
I actually asked before I moved in if bikes are ok and was told that other tenants had motorcycles and there wasn't yet a problem unless someone would complain. I looked around the garage and sure enough, there were other people with bikes in front of their cars. Moved in and got a letter. I wrote back to the board commenting that it's pretty ridiculous to ask me to remove something thats covered and completely in my own spot when it's not affecting anyone else, and to ask me to rent another spot is not only a complete waste of money but would also probably piss off other tenants LOOKING for parking spaces (there's a list of about 50 people looking for parking spots in my building, there are NONE free).
The by-law states 'parking spaces are for motor vehicle parking purpose', which to me, and most other people, is a plural term. I addressed this and they said the lawyer basically told them they can interpret the by-law however they choose within reason which I think is BS and defeats the purpose of a legal document.
Anyway, there are several other people in the building that have a bike and are complaining about the same thing I am and have met with the board and gotten nowhere so I have to wait until the AGM to try to amend the by-law. I even asked if they received any complaints from other residents about the bikes and they said no, nobody has complained... so why the **** is my bike a problem? I have no idea.
 
Twoth said:
I actually asked before I moved in if bikes are ok and was told that other tenants had motorcycles and there wasn't yet a problem unless someone would complain. I looked around the garage and sure enough, there were other people with bikes in front of their cars. Moved in and got a letter. I wrote back to the board commenting that it's pretty ridiculous to ask me to remove something thats covered and completely in my own spot when it's not affecting anyone else, and to ask me to rent another spot is not only a complete waste of money but would also probably piss off other tenants LOOKING for parking spaces (there's a list of about 50 people looking for parking spots in my building, there are NONE free).
The by-law states 'parking spaces are for motor vehicle parking purpose', which to me, and most other people, is a plural term. I addressed this and they said the lawyer basically told them they can interpret the by-law however they choose within reason which I think is BS and defeats the purpose of a legal document.
Anyway, there are several other people in the building that have a bike and are complaining about the same thing I am and have met with the board and gotten nowhere so I have to wait until the AGM to try to amend the by-law. I even asked if they received any complaints from other residents about the bikes and they said no, nobody has complained... so why the **** is my bike a problem? I have no idea.
Click to expand...

You need to make a lot of noise with the other motorcyclists leading up to the AGM otherwise it'll just seem like you're the only angry person, even if there are multiple people upset by this decision.

I'm almost certain by-laws were put in place to accommodate stupid people's complaints.
 
Twoth said:
I actually asked before I moved in if bikes are ok and was told that other tenants had motorcycles and there wasn't yet a problem unless someone would complain. I looked around the garage and sure enough, there were other people with bikes in front of their cars. Moved in and got a letter. I wrote back to the board commenting that it's pretty ridiculous to ask me to remove something thats covered and completely in my own spot when it's not affecting anyone else, and to ask me to rent another spot is not only a complete waste of money but would also probably piss off other tenants LOOKING for parking spaces (there's a list of about 50 people looking for parking spots in my building, there are NONE free).
The by-law states 'parking spaces are for motor vehicle parking purpose', which to me, and most other people, is a plural term. I addressed this and they said the lawyer basically told them they can interpret the by-law however they choose within reason which I think is BS and defeats the purpose of a legal document.
Anyway, there are several other people in the building that have a bike and are complaining about the same thing I am and have met with the board and gotten nowhere so I have to wait until the AGM to try to amend the by-law. I even asked if they received any complaints from other residents about the bikes and they said no, nobody has complained... so why the **** is my bike a problem? I have no idea.
Click to expand...

It's very hard to get the condo by-laws changed, but from what you're saying you may have a chance. They key will be to make friends with all the owners. If you pursue this it will eventually come to a vote and you will need something ridiculous like 80% in favour to ratify a by-law.

What you want is to initiate an information campaign with all the residents, preferably with the help of the other motorcycle owners in the condo who are on the same page as you. In your information campaign point out the value of having diverse transportation options, the (hopefully) respectful nature of bike owners, the severe lack of parking spaces.

You'll want to draft a revised by-law that would satisfy any concerns. Should quads be allowed in parking spaces? Sea-doos? Several bikes? Probably most people wouldn't want their neighbour to have the option of filling up their spot with any number of vehicles right up to the painted lines, so take that into consideration. You could also suggest converting some of the car spots to into multiple dedicated motorcycle spots. Listen to what residents' concerns are and try and accomodate as many as possible.
 
Some condos have such a bylaw. Others don't. It's quite unfortunate that you were told it would be fine and it ended up being an issue.

Just the idea of having to ratify a bylaw in order to put your motorcycle in your own space turns me (and others, presumably) off of condo living. I think there should be a city law that overrides any bylaws in regards to sharing a space with your motorcycle (to encourage people to a) ride motorcycles and b) live in condos [though there's not much of a problem finding people to live in condos, heh]).
 
you mention that your bike was covered. Sounds to me like they had a problem with you "storing " your bike. in your parkign spot with another car.

Ive had this problem before where a condo didnt like that i was storing vehicles in parking spots. They then made up a rule that all vehicles had to have stickers and plates, and able to move every so often. Condonazi's.

I Hate condoNazi's
 
That sucks man. I'd follow others' advice here and raise a stink about it with the board.

I once got a city of toronto parking ticket while parked in the underground of my old apartment! They were shuffling hundreds of parking spots around for the 3 buildings that share the underground. The car was accidentally parked one space over from the new one assigned so instead of looking up the plate they told me the car was parked "illegally" and they had every right to ticket it!
 
Get yourself on the board with the help of the other owners. At least I think that's what I've seen as advice in the past.
 
Some good tips thanks. I have to try to get in touch with the other bike owners I guess... Such a pain.
 
Twoth said:
...The by-law states 'parking spaces are for motor vehicle parking purpose', ...
Click to expand...

given that statement, I see no reason why you can't have a motorcycle in the same spot. it says nothing about more than one vehicle, does it? a motorcycle is a motor vehicle and your parking it, aren't you?

have you had your real estate lawyer take a look into this? the one that did the title search?
 
Sublet your condo to some middle eastern insurgents, and buy yourself a nice house.
 
fastar1 said:
It's very hard to get the condo by-laws changed, but from what you're saying you may have a chance. They key will be to make friends with all the owners. If you pursue this it will eventually come to a vote and you will need something ridiculous like 80% in favour to ratify a by-law.

What you want is to initiate an information campaign with all the residents, preferably with the help of the other motorcycle owners in the condo who are on the same page as you. In your information campaign point out the value of having diverse transportation options, the (hopefully) respectful nature of bike owners, the severe lack of parking spaces.

You'll want to draft a revised by-law that would satisfy any concerns. Should quads be allowed in parking spaces? Sea-doos? Several bikes? Probably most people wouldn't want their neighbour to have the option of filling up their spot with any number of vehicles right up to the painted lines, so take that into consideration. You could also suggest converting some of the car spots to into multiple dedicated motorcycle spots. Listen to what residents' concerns are and try and accomodate as many as possible.
Click to expand...

This. Is good advice... Leave a note on the other rider's bikes to try and get their help. I'd even go so far as to create a petition, and perhaps approach people in the lobby of your building a few nights per week, if there's two of you, and you approach politely, I can foresee people giving you good feedback. Ask questions about whether or not they care about a bike & a car in one spot, and what their concerns are - make sure to note their concerns (people like that), and ask them to sign the petition. You may have to take an elevator ride with them while you explain your position.

All you need is a simple amendment as an exception to the "single vehicle" rule, and clearly states "...except in the case of parking (1) motorcycle along with (1) car, van or truck in a single space" or something to that nature. Or propose the other idea of splitting 2-3 existing spaces into motorcycle only spots: the board may buy into that if they can split a parking space, and rent out two or three individual spots, which could increase their monthly condo-fee revenue.

Good luck, and post the results!
 
Twoth said:
I actually asked before I moved in if bikes are ok and was told that other tenants had motorcycles and there wasn't yet a problem unless someone would complain. I looked around the garage and sure enough, there were other people with bikes in front of their cars. Moved in and got a letter. I wrote back to the board commenting that it's pretty ridiculous to ask me to remove something thats covered and completely in my own spot when it's not affecting anyone else, and to ask me to rent another spot is not only a complete waste of money but would also probably piss off other tenants LOOKING for parking spaces (there's a list of about 50 people looking for parking spots in my building, there are NONE free).
The by-law states 'parking spaces are for motor vehicle parking purpose', which to me, and most other people, is a plural term. I addressed this and they said the lawyer basically told them they can interpret the by-law however they choose within reason which I think is BS and defeats the purpose of a legal document.
Anyway, there are several other people in the building that have a bike and are complaining about the same thing I am and have met with the board and gotten nowhere so I have to wait until the AGM to try to amend the by-law. I even asked if they received any complaints from other residents about the bikes and they said no, nobody has complained... so why the **** is my bike a problem? I have no idea.
Click to expand...

Did you get a new property manager that has a different agenda?
Did the management company go to some seminar and hear about a problem with bikes somewhere and they are being proactive?
Do you own the condo or rent? Renters have no say.
They said there were no complaints. Then what got the ball rolling? Either someone complained or PM took it upon themselves to toughen up the rules. You will never know until you have ears in the board room.
If you look at some of the chippy attitudes bikers are carrying I'm surprised more condos don't ban them totally. NO bikes period.
 
nobbie48 said:
Did you get a new property manager that has a different agenda?
Did the management company go to some seminar and hear about a problem with bikes somewhere and they are being proactive?
Do you own the condo or rent? Renters have no say.
They said there were no complaints. Then what got the ball rolling? Either someone complained or PM took it upon themselves to toughen up the rules. You will never know until you have ears in the board room.
If you look at some of the chippy attitudes bikers are carrying I'm surprised more condos don't ban them totally. NO bikes period.
Click to expand...

What chippy attitude? I don't act like I'm better than anyone else just because i have a bike... Maybe just more KEWL :p
 
Quote Originally Posted by fastar1 View Post
It's very hard to get the condo by-laws changed, but from what you're saying you may have a chance. They key will be to make friends with all the owners. If you pursue this it will eventually come to a vote and you will need something ridiculous like 80% in favour to ratify a by-law.

What you want is to initiate an information campaign with all the residents, preferably with the help of the other motorcycle owners in the condo who are on the same page as you. In your information campaign point out the value of having diverse transportation options, the (hopefully) respectful nature of bike owners, the severe lack of parking spaces.

You'll want to draft a revised by-law that would satisfy any concerns. Should quads be allowed in parking spaces? Sea-doos? Several bikes? Probably most people wouldn't want their neighbour to have the option of filling up their spot with any number of vehicles right up to the painted lines, so take that into consideration. You could also suggest converting some of the car spots to into multiple dedicated motorcycle spots. Listen to what residents' concerns are and try and accomodate as many as possible.
This. Is good advice... Leave a note on the other rider's bikes to try and get their help. I'd even go so far as to create a petition, and perhaps approach people in the lobby of your building a few nights per week, if there's two of you, and you approach politely, I can foresee people giving you good feedback. Ask questions about whether or not they care about a bike & a car in one spot, and what their concerns are - make sure to note their concerns (people like that), and ask them to sign the petition. You may have to take an elevator ride with them while you explain your position.

All you need is a simple amendment as an exception to the "single vehicle" rule, and clearly states "...except in the case of parking (1) motorcycle along with (1) car, van or truck in a single space" or something to that nature. Or propose the other idea of splitting 2-3 existing spaces into motorcycle only spots: the board may buy into that if they can split a parking space, and rent out two or three individual spots, which could increase their monthly condo-fee revenue.

Good luck, and post the results!
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

+1

take photos of your bike and car neatly parked
take photos of other car bike combos and then leave a note for the rider.

you don't want to necessarily use them but good to have to show bias
 
park the bike in your condo and take it up and down the elevator with you, unless there is a specific clause which prohibits you from doing so
Forum Sponsor
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top Bottom