About the by-law

Rules

Property fences 

• Fences are allowed on rear and side yards from finished grade, including posts and lattice, to a:

• maximum of 1.8 metres (or about six feet) in height for rear yards.

• maximum of 1.2 metres (or about four feet) in height for front yards. 

Application form for Fence Height Exemption

If you would like to install a fence that is greater than the maximum permitted height, you must complete the following application to apply for a Fence Height Exemption Application. (PDF).

Corner lots

• Fences on corner lots may include a sight triangle; therefore, the definition of a side, rear and front yard may be different than above. Please contact the City for clarification.

 

Divisional fences – cost sharing with neighbours

Enforcement

Swimming pool fences 

• have a minimum height of 1.2 metres (about four feet) and maximum height of 1.8 metres (about six feet), measured from the outside of the fence.
• have a gate (not exceeding height requirements) that is supported by hinges and equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices on the inside of the gate.
• have a gate that is to be closed and locked at all times. All gate hardware, including hinges, must be located inside the gate and at least four feet from the ground.
• not have any projections on the outside of the fence to assist with climbing.
• not have a gap of more than five centimetres between the finished grade and the underside of the gate and fence.

 

Enforcement

• that the pool meets the 1.5 metre (about five feet) setback requirement from the side and rear property lines. If the lot is a corner lot, the distance between the exterior property line and the pool may be greater than 1.5 metres (about five feet).
• that the pool equipment meets the setback requirement from the rear property line as indicated in Zoning By-law 1-88 (PDF). Please contact Building Standards to determine the rear-yard setback requirement.
• that the pool must not be filled with water until the enclosure has been inspected and approved by the City.