What are the fence bylaws in Ottawa?

Ottawa has specific fence height and placement bylaws that vary by property zone and fence location - most residential areas allow 2 meters (6.5 feet) in backyards and 1 meter (3.3 feet) in front yards.

Ottawa Fence Bylaw Basics

Under the City of Ottawa Zoning By-law, fence regulations depend on your property's zoning and the fence location:

Backyard and Side Yard Fences:

• Maximum height: 2 meters (6.5 feet) in most residential zones


• No permit required for fences under 2 meters


• Must be set back at least 0.6 meters (2 feet) from the street on corner lots

Front Yard Fences:

• Maximum height: 1 meter (3.3 feet) in most residential areas


• Some heritage districts have stricter requirements


• Chain link and wire fences often prohibited in front yards

Pool Fences:

• Minimum 1.2 meters (4 feet) high with specific gate and latch requirements


• Must comply with Ontario Building Code safety standards


• Self-closing, self-latching gates required

When You Need a Building Permit

You'll need a building permit from the City of Ottawa (613-580-2424) if your fence:

• Exceeds 2 meters in height anywhere on the property


• Is a retaining wall over 1 meter high


• Includes electrical components (lighting, automatic gates)


• Is part of a pool enclosure

Building permits for fences typically cost $100-200 and take 10-15 business days to process through ottawa.ca/building.

What to Watch For

Property Line Issues: Always verify your property boundaries before installation. Many fence disputes arise from encroaching on neighbors' property. Consider getting a survey if boundaries aren't clearly marked.

Utility Locations: Call Ontario One Call (1-800-400-2255) at least 5 business days before digging to locate underground utilities. This is free and required by law.

Neighbor Relations: While not legally required, discussing fence plans with neighbors can prevent future disputes. In Ontario, the Line Fences Act governs shared boundary fences.

Heritage Properties: If you're in a heritage district (Rockcliffe, New Edinburgh, Sandy Hill), additional restrictions may apply requiring heritage approval.

Contractor Considerations

For basic fence installation, ensure your contractor:

• Has WSIB coverage (verify at wsib.ca/clearances)


• Carries liability insurance


• Provides written quotes specifying materials and timeline


• Understands Ottawa's specific bylaws for your neighborhood

Getting Official Information

Contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 or visit ottawa.ca/building for:

• Zoning confirmation for your specific address


• Heritage district requirements


• Permit applications if needed


• Clarification on setback requirements

The City's Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development Department can also clarify zoning-specific fence regulations, as rules can vary between areas like Kanata, Orleans, Barrhaven, and the urban core.

Remember that bylaw enforcement is complaint-driven, so even minor violations can become issues if neighbors complain to 311.