Fences

The Fence By-law outlines maximum fence heights and minimum standards for swimming pool enclosures. It also establishes regulations for privacy screens and ornamental ponds.

The standards set out for Swimming pool enclosures are intended to prevent the entry of small children and the general public when the pool is not supervised.

By-law

This is regulated by By-law 6943/09.

Highlights - What You Need to Know

• the maximum fence height for a rear or side yard is 2 m, (6'6")
• the maximum fence height for a front yard fence of solid construction (sightlines obstructed) is 1 m
• an open construction fence (clearly visible through) may be a maximum of 1.5 m in height
• privacy screens are permitted in side or rear yards only. The setback requirement is 0.6 m from any property line. The maximum height of a privacy screen is 2.6 m, and the maximum length permitted is 8 m
• fences must be maintained in a state of good repair and free from graffiti
• the exemption process ensures adjoining property owners are aware of the application for exemption
• a Property Review Committee will review applications for exemptions based on set criteria

Apply for an Exemption from the Fence By-law

Property owners can apply for an exemption from the Fence By-law where the exemption is considered to be reasonable and not contravene the purpose and intent of the By-law.

• Fence By-law Exemption Form

Fence Cost Sharing

New Fences

Neighbours must share the "basic cost" of constructing a new division fence. This basic cost is defined as the cost of erecting a 4 foot chain link fence to minimum construction standards.

Existing Fences

The cost to repair, maintain or reconstruct existing division fences must be shared equally by both property owners, based upon the type of fence in place.

By-law

This is governed by the Fence Cost Sharing By-law 6944/09.

• the basic costs that adjoining property owners are responsible for in relation to a new division fence
• what process to follow, under the Provincial Offences Act, when an adjoining owner defaults on payment
• the repair and reconstruction requirements of existing division fences

Highlights - What You Need to Know

• an owner may construct a division fence to mark the boundary between his property and adjoining properties
• unless otherwise agreed, an adjoining owner shall be responsible for 50 percent of the basic cost of construction
• unless otherwise agreed, an adjoining owner shall be responsible for 50 percent of the actual cost of re-constructing a division fence
• an owner seeking to share the cost of constructing a new division fence must serve upon the adjoining owner a notice that includes, a copy of this by-law; the date the work is planned to commence; copies of 3 estimates received for the cost of the proposed fence; an estimate of the basic cost of the proposed fence; and a request for payment from the adjoining owner calculated in accordance with this by-law
• an owner desiring to re-construct a division fence must serve upon the adjoining owner a notice that includes, a copy of this by-law; the date the work is planned to commence, copies of 3 estimates received for the cost of the proposed fence and a request for payment from the adjoining owner calculated in accordance with this by-law
• notice must be served at least fourteen days prior to the commencement of any work or execution of any contract in relation to the work to be undertaken

Report a Complaint

The By-law outlines what process to follow, under the Provincial Offences Act, when an adjoining owner defaults on payment. Please contact our Customer Care Centre for more information.