A permit is required to build or erect a fence, or to plant a hedge, on properties located within a Residential or Village Core Zone, in accordance with the Zoning By-Law.
Permits are issued by the Municipal By-Law Enforcement Department. A survey may be required to confirm the proposed fence or hedge location.
Pools have their own special requirements relating to fences, property lines, and more. Please see our Swimming Pools page before starting your project.
Disclaimer
This page provides a summary for informational purposes only. For full details and all applicable regulations, please refer to the Fences By-Law.
Fences
General Requirements
Fences must be kept in good repair, with no visible damage from the street or neighbouring properties and must be built to allow for maintenance. They cannot block visibility at intersections, driveways, sidewalks, pathways, or corner lot sight triangles.
Hedges
General Requirements
Hedges must be neatly trimmed, well maintained, and must not create a safety hazard. They cannot block visibility at intersections, driveways, sidewalks, pathways, or corner lot sight triangles.
Division Fences
Property owners may build a fence along the dividing line between their lands. The by-law allows a fence to be built on the shared property line, but it does not automatically require neighbours to share costs.
If both neighbours agree to share the cost, the fence must be equally finished on both sides along the shared portion.
If the fence is not shared, and the fence has a finished and unfinished side, the finished side must face outward toward the neighbouring property.
If there is a disagreement about a boundary or cost sharing, it may need to be resolved privately or through the Ontario Line Fences Act.
Application Fees
The fence permit fees are established in accordance with the Fences By-Law. Refer to the Fees and Charges page for applicable fees.
All applicable fees are payable upon approval of the permit by the Municipal By-Law Enforcement Department and must be received prior to the commencement of any work. A permit is not valid until full payment has been received by the Municipality.
Submit an Application
An application must include a location plan indicating where the fence or hedge will be situated in relation to buildings and lot lines.