Proposed Regulations - Little Free Libraries within the ROW

Proposed Regulations for Little Free Libraries

In addition to complying with the proposed regulations for residential ROW gardening, anyone wishing to install a Little Free Library within the right of way will also be subject to the following:

A signed letter of acknowledgement must be provided to the City before installing a Little Free Library.

To help with the tracking of these installations should the Little Free Library need to be repaired or removed, the City will be requiring a signed letter of acknowledgement with contact information.

No library box may be installed within one (1.0) metre of a roadway.

This helps to ensure that our roadways remain clear and unencumbered from library installations, and provides a setback so that users are visiting away from the travelled portion of a roadway. This setback provides parking room for vehicles and an area for passengers to enter / exit. Lastly, this provides clearance from snow maintenance operations and as well as sufficient snow storage.

A Little Free Library may not have a permanent foundation.

Little Free Libraries must be removable should the City, or a utility company require access to install, maintain or repair infrastructure.

Additionally, permanent foundations such as poured concrete present a greater risk to underground utility infrastructure.

All Little Free Libraries must be maintained in a good state of repair.

To ensure that Little Free Libraries do not present a safety hazard.

A Little Free Library may only be installed within the ROW abutting your residential property.

To ensure the Little Free Library is installed near the owner’s residence for ease of maintenance, monitoring, and so as not to encumber others.

A Little Free Library will only be permitted on a local road.

Road classifications can be found using geoOttawa.

It is proposed to limit the permission for Little Free Libraries at this time to local roads only as these installations can draw motorists to park near them, which presents mobility and safety concerns along busier roads.

Corner lots - A Little Free Library will not be permitted within the area shown below:

To help ensure the safe movement of vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians at intersections.