Fences and Pools

Fences

 A permit is not required for fences unless surrounding a pool. Fences are required to comply with following:

• Maximum of 0.75m (2 foot, 6 inches) high in the front yard, driveway visibility triangle, or corner visibility triangle.
• Maximum of 1.98m (6 foot, 6 inches) high in a side yard, exterior side yard, and rear yard provided it is not located in the driveway visibility triangle or corner visibility triangle.
• Not obstruct visibility of drivers or pedestrians
• Not located closer than 1.98m (6 foot, 6 inches) from a fire hydrant with the exception of a fence located to the rear of a fire hydrant, as viewed from the centre of the road, which may not be located closer than 1.0m (3 foot, 3 inches) to the rear of the hydrant. 

Certain exemptions may apply to agricultural, commercial, industrial, and industrial properties. Please review the Fence by-law for complete details or contact the Planning division.

The Fence by-law does not regulate the distance a fence must be from a property line. It is highly recommended to discuss your fence project with neighbouring properties and to call before you dig.

What is a driveway visibility triangle (DVT)?

It is the triangular triangular space formed by measuring 4.5m (15 feet) up the driveway and 4.5m (15 feet) down the lot line abutting a street. No fence (including hedge or grouping of shrubs) over 0.75m (2 foot, 6 inches) may be constructed inside this triangle. You are required to provide a DVT whether the driveway is on your property or on the adjacent property. An illustration of a DVT is provided in the fence and pool handout.

What is a corner visibility triangle (CVT)?

It is the triangular space formed by measuring 7.5m (25 feet) along each property line abutting a street from the point where the property lines meet. No fence (including a hedge or grouping of shrubs) over 0.75m (2 foot 6 inches) may be constructed within this triangle. An illustration of a CVT is provided in the fence and pool handout. 

Swimming pool fences

Fences surrounding a pool are required to comply with following:

• Be a minimum of 1.52m (5') in height
• Not permit access through an unlocked entrance or by climbing, crawling, or jumping. For chain link fencing, the maximum size of the opening of the chain link shall not exceed 5.0cm (2").
• Be equipped with lockable self-closing and latching devices on all gates or doors providing access to the swimming pool. All gates and doors must be locked unless a responsible adult is present and supervising the swimming pool.
• Be maintained in a safe structural manner.
• Be completely constructed before the swimming pool is filled with water.

Swimming pools

In ground and above ground pools (including temporary or inflatable) with a design depth of 0.9m (36 inches) require a permit. Permits are not required for hot tubs or swim spas fitted with a cover permanently attached to it that can be locked to prevent access when it is not in use.

Application requirements

• Checklist for permit submission

• Fees

• Building permit application

• Fence and pool handout
• Right of Way Pool Waiver Form 

Approval from the Grand River Conservation authority may be required if located in or near rivers and streams, wetlands, slopes, or lakes and ponds.

At this time, applications are only accepted through this building permit submission form.

Inspection requirements

The following inspections are required after a permit is issued:

• Location inspection prior to pouring concrete or installing the pool
• Final inspection after pool is complete, required fencing is installed, and a final electrical inspection has been completed by the Electrical Safety authority (if electrical work requiring an ESA permit has been completed)