Fence Height By-law

If you are planning to build, replace or repair a fence on your property, the Fence Height By-law sets rules about height, location, safety and visibility.

These rules help keep fences safe, maintain clear sightlines for drivers and pedestrians, and prevent fences from interfering with roads, sidewalks and neighbouring properties.

Fence height limits

Front yard

Fences and hedges in the front yard can be up to 1.0 metre (3.3 ft) high.

A front yard fence may be up to 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) high only if:

• it is at least 50 percent open or see-through, and
• it does not create a safety or visibility concern

Side yard and rear yard

Fences in the side yard or rear yard can be up to 2.2 metres (7.2 ft) high.

A side or rear yard fence may be up to 2.5 metres (8.2 ft) high if:

• it is next to commercial or industrial property, or
• there is a ground level difference of at least 0.5 metres (1.6 ft) within 3 metres (9.8 ft) of the fence

Corner lots and visibility

If your property is on a corner lot, extra rules apply to help keep intersections safe.

In the visibility area near the corner:

• fences and hedges generally cannot be higher than 0.8 metres (2.6 ft)
• this applies within 4.6 metres (15.1 ft) of the intersection

In some cases, a low fence, hedge or railing may be allowed closer to the sidewalk with City approval, but it must not be higher than 0.6 metres (2.0 ft).

Roads, sidewalks and property lines

Fences, hedges, gates and doors must not:

• extend onto a road, sidewalk or other public space
• swing over a road or sidewalk
• block traffic or visibility

If you are building a fence along a road or public area, you may need to confirm your property line before construction.

Barbed wire

Barbed wire is not allowed on residential properties. It is only permitted on industrial properties, and only under specific conditions.

Fence condition and materials

All fences must be kept in good condition. They must be:

• upright
• safe and sturdy
• in good repair
• made of suitable materials
• reasonably consistent in appearance so they do not look unsightly

Repairs and access to neighbouring property

If you need to access a neighbouring property to repair or maintain a fence, you should first make a reasonable effort to get permission.

Any work must be done:

• at a reasonable time during daylight hours
• only as much as necessary
• without causing damage or leaving the property in worse condition

If a fence does not meet the rules

If a fence does not comply with the by-law, the property owner may be required to repair, remove or replace it.

If the issue is not addressed, the City may:

• do the work
• charge the costs to the owner
• recover those costs through the tax roll if necessary

Violations may also result in fines.

Older fences

Some older fences that were legal when they were built may be allowed to remain.

Need an exception?

Property owners can apply to the Committee of Adjustment for a minor variance if they want relief from the by-law.

Before you build

Before installing a fence, make sure you:

• know your property lines
• check the fence height limits for your yard
• consider visibility if your property is on a corner lot
• make sure the fence will not extend into public space

Questions?

Please contact us at 519-759-4150 for more information about fence requirements.