Fences

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Fences

About the by-law

The City of Vaughan’s Fence By-law, and its amendments, outlines the height and descriptions of all fences allowed in the city. It also establishes the minimum standards and requirements for swimming pool fences. To view this other by-laws and any amendments, visit the By-law Library.

Key provisions

Fence Heights

Fence heights are regulated depending on location. An excerpt with respect to maximum fence heights from the by-law is listed here:

No	Fence Description	Maximum Fence Height
No	Fence Description	Fence on a Single Family Residential or Multi- Residential Property	Fence on Non- Residential Property	Hedge, shrub or other vegetation that acts as a Fence
1	Fence that is: · in a Front Yard; and · within 2.4 metres (approximately 7 feet 10 inches) of a Lot Line abutting a Public Highway	1.2 metres (approximately 4 feet)	1.2 metres (approximately 4 feet)	1.2 metres (approximately 4 feet)
2	Fence that is: · in a Front Yard; and · not within 2.4 metres	2.0 metres (approximately 6	2.0 metres (approximately 6	No maximum
3	Fence that is: · not in a Front Yard; · within 2.4 metres (approximately 7 feet 10 inches) of a Side Lot Line abutting a Public Highway; and · not within 2.4 metres of a driveway	2.5 metres (approximately 8 feet 2 inches)	2.5 metres (approximately 8 feet 2 inches)	2.5 metres (approximately 8 feet 2 inches)
4	Fence that is: · not in a Front Yard; · not within 2.4 metres (approximately 7 feet 10 inches) of a Side Lot Line abutting a Public Highway; · within 2.4 metres of the nearest wall of the main building extended to the Rear Lot Line; and · within 2.4 metres of a driveway	2.0 metres (approximately 6 feet 7 inches)	2.5 metres (approximately 8 feet 2 inches)	No maximum
5	Fence that is: · on an unroofed deck; not in a Front Yard; and · not within 2.4 metres (7 feet 10 in) of a Lot Line abutting a Public Highway*	2.0 metres (approximately 6 feet 7 inches) above surface of deck	2.0 metres (approximately 6 feet 7 inches) above surface of deck	No maximum
6	Fence that is: · not in a Front Yard; · not a Fence under Items 3, 4 or 5 of this Table; and · abutting a Multi- Residential Property, a Non-Residential Property, a Public Highway or a public walkway	2.5 metres (approximately 8 feet 2 inches)	2.5 metres (approximately 8 feet 2 inches)	No maximum
7	Fence that is: · abutting a rapid transit right of way	2.5 metres (approximately 8 feet 2 inches)	No maximum	No maximum
8	Fence that is: · abutting a tennis court, baseball diamond or other recreational facility	3.0 metres (approximately 9 feet 10 inches)	No maximum	No maximum
9	Any other Fence	2.0 metres (approximately 6 feet 7 inches)	2.5 metres (approximately 8 feet 2 inches)	No maximum

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

The Fence Apportionment of Costs By-law 175-93 outlines the steps property owners need to take to recover costs of shared divisional fences. Any disagreements are handled in Small Claims Court. Property owners are encouraged to call the City for clarification.

Enforcement

The appearance and structural stability of fences is regulated under both the Fence By-law and as amended, and Property Standards By-law 231-2011.

Swimming pool enclosures

Various types of materials are allowed permitted, subject to different conditions as listed in the Fence By-law.

With that said, all fences around swimming pools must:

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

As part of the pool permit process, the City will also inspect the following:

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.

If a structure is constructed or converted from an existing structure for pool purposes, please contact Building Standards for setback and height requirements.

Contact Information

By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services

Phone: 905-832-2281

Fax: 905-832-8549

Email: bylaw.licensing@vaughan.ca

Location:
Vaughan City Hall, Level 100
2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1