Before starting to build a new fence, it’s advisable for property owners to do some research into local regulations that govern fence construction. Otherwise, you could end up having to tear down the fence and rebuild it, not to mention dealing with unhappy neighbors.
If you’re a resident of the City of Toronto planning a fence project, stay on this page. In this article, we look at Toronto fence bylaws, covering height restrictions, cases requiring permits, and more.
Toronto Fence Height Limits and Regulations
The most important thing to keep in mind when planning a new fence is the fence height. There’s a maximum fence height Toronto bylaws permit, depending on the fence location.
Fence in a Front Yard
The maximum height of a front yard fence will depend on what exactly your front yard faces. If this is a public highway and you’re going to install your fence within 2.4 metres of the lot line, local bylaws require that the fence can only be 1.2 metres tall for safety reasons.
However, if your private property doesn’t border a public highway, or if you put up your fence further than 2.4 metres from the lot line, Toronto fence height regulations permit you to build it up to 2.0 metres tall.
Fence in a Side or Back Yard
Side and backyard fences in Toronto can be taller than those in the front. According to Toronto fence height regulations, a side or back yard fence put up within 2.4 metres of a side lot line adjoining a public highway and within 2.4 metres of a driveway can be no taller than 2.0 metres.
However, if your fence runs along a public walkway or lane or if your yard borders a multi-residential or non-residential property, the Toronto fence bylaw allows you to go up to 2.5 metres.
For unroofed decks or patios, local regulations permit fencing up to 2.0 metres above the deck surface. And if the fence surrounds a tennis court or other recreation area, it can reach as high as 3.0 metres.
Toronto Fence Height Rules
Location | Maximum Height |
|---|---|
Front yard (within 2.4 m of a street lot line) | 1.2 m |
Front yard (set back more than 2.4 m; not facing a public street) | 2.0 m; no limit for hedges or shrubs |
Side or backyard | 2.0 m |
Side/back next to a lane, walkway, or non-residential lot | 2.5 m |
Around unroofed deck or patio | 2.0 m above deck surface |
Recreational areas (e.g., tennis courts) | 3.0 m |
Pool fences | 1.2 m for single residential property; 1.8 m for multiple residential property |
Navigating the Toronto Fence Permit Requirements: When You Need a Fence Permit
Most fences in Toronto don’t require a permit. You’re free to build a fence in your front, side, or back yard as long as the fence meets the city’s fence height regulations and material restrictions. Speaking of the latter, here are some things to keep in mind:
- you can’t install fences containing barbed wire, chicken wire, or any other sharp material;
- sheet metal and corrugated metal panels aren’t permitted;
- you aren’t allowed to put up electric fences in Toronto unless the fence is used on a farm for raising livestock;
- the Toronto Fence Bylaw prohibits temporary fences, except for snow fences;
- all fences within 2.4 metres of a driveway have to be of open-fence construction for at least 2.4 metres from the line where the driveway starts.
So, when do you need a permit to build a fence in Toronto? There are two possible scenarios.
Toronto Fence Bylaw requires that every swimming pool, hot tub, and any other structure that can be used for swimming must have a fence around it. Before constructing a fence around their pool area, a property owner must apply for a Pool Enclosure Permit from the city. It is not required if the whirlpool, hot tub, or spa includes a cover that can be locked to prevent access when not in use.
You also need to get approval if you plan to build a fence that doesn’t comply with the bylaw’s standard rules. In such situations, homeowners can apply for an exemption through Toronto’s Community Council. The city reviews these requests on a case-by-case basis, and approval isn’t guaranteed, so it’s best to plan your fence within the existing construction standards and rules whenever possible.
When Fence Height Limit Exceptions Are Permitted in Toronto
There are no height limits for hedge, shrub, or other vegetation functioning as a fence that is further than 2.4 metres from the lot line. When it’s within the 2.4-metre setback, the same rules apply as to other types of fencing.
If you want a fence taller than specified by Toronto fence regulations, you need to apply for an exemption through Toronto’s Community Council, which reviews requests individually.
Why Following Toronto’s Fence Regulations Matters
Toronto’s fence bylaws are designed to balance privacy with safety across residential areas. If you go over the height limits or use materials that aren’t permitted, you risk complaints from neighbors, fines from the city, and having to take the fence down and start over. On the other hand, if your fence complies from the outset, you’ll avoid fines and save a lot of stress.
If you’re looking for reliable landscaping contractors to help you build a sturdy, compliant fence, reach out to us. At GTA Grizzly, we install various types of fences that last for years without losing their visual appeal.