Fences are a great way to create privacy between you and your neighbours. Here are some City of Toronto regulations for the construction and placement of fences.
Height Requirements
In most cases, the fence height restriction is 2m (6.5 ft) around the property, unless the fence is on your front yard property line (1.2 m), except by exemption permit.
The same regulations apply to uncovered decks, with the height being no more than 2m from the deck floor.
Height requirements for fences are outlined in the Municipal Code, Chapter 447, Table 1
Materials
Some of the most common materials used for fencing include wood, chain link and wrought-iron. Shrubs and hedges can also be considered as fencing. Barbed/chicken wire, sheet metal and corrugated metal panel are restricted materials. The city also prohibits the use of any fence that could be used as a conductor of electricity.
Snow fences may be used on private properties between November 15th to April 15th and need to comply with all corresponding standards and by-laws.
Installation and Upkeep
If you are placing the fence on the property line, you need to get permission from your neighbour and a Fence Agreement should be filled out. When you are placing a fence on your own property you do not need to notify your neighbour.
All fences and enclosures around the property must be kept in good repair, structurally sound conditions and free from hazards.
Swimming Pools
Fencing must completely enclose pools and can’t have any openings except for the gate. If the wall of a building is part of the fence, it can’t have any doors or windows opening into the pool. The pool fence can not restrict the visibility of the pool.
The distance between the pool and the fence should be at least 1.2m (3.9 ft) apart. The fence and any climbable objects should be at least 1m (3.2 ft) apart.
