The City's Fence and Sight Triangle By-law regulates fences and natural features (hedges, trees, shrubs, plants etc.). The by-law establishes standards for the maximum height of fences and natural features. It also prohibits the construction of fences using certain hazardous materials.
Pool enclosures are regulated under the Pool Enclosure By-law.
If you're doing any construction work which involves accessing your property through City parkland or if you're a private property owner that wants to install gates leading to City parkland, you must apply for a Park and Gate Access Permit
Where does the by-law apply?
The Fence and Sight Triangle By-law apply to all lots within Residential, Office, Commercial (excluding the Central Business District Zone) and Mixed Use Zones. Also standards related to Sight Triangles and Driveway Sight Triangles apply to all areas of the City except the Central Business District Zone.
Height standards
The following table details the maximum heights of fences and natural features, as defined in Section 2 of the Zoning By-law 60-94. Fences existing before February 18, 2014, formerly in compliance with the standards in Zoning By-law 60-94, are exempt from the new standards.
View an illustration of Fence and Sight Triangle Standards.
Height standards
Height standards
| Location |
Fence |
Natural feature
Examples: hedges, trees, shrubs, plants |
| 2 m from front lot line |
0.9 m |
0.9 m |
| Front yard |
0.9 m |
No height restriction |
| Sight triangle1 |
0.9 m |
0.9 m |
| Driveway sight triangle |
0.9 m |
0.9 m |
| 2 m from side lot line |
2.2 m |
No height restriction |
| 2 m from rear lot line2 |
2.2 m |
No height restriction |
Notes:
- Where there are conflicting standards, the most restrictive applies.
- Height measured from centreline of street.
- Where the rear lot line of one property abuts the front yard of another, fence and natural features located within 1 m of that part of the lot line are limited to a maximum height of 2.2 m.
Other applicable height standards
Fences between a lot in a Residential Zone and a lot in a Commercial, Industrial or Airport Zone are permitted at a height not exceeding 3 m.
Contact Planning Services to obtain site-specific fence and natural feature height standards if your dwelling is located on a through lot.
