A Resident’s Guide to
Contact us
Planning and Building Department
Planning Division
Phone: 905-335-7642
Website: www.burlington.ca
Fences
Are you planning to build a fence around
your property?
Fence Height Regulations
Interior Lots
The following regulations apply to fences
for single-family or semi-detached houses,
duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and street
townhouses. The maximum allowable height
of perimeter fencing depends on its location
in relation to the nearest street.
You do not need a permit to erect a fence,
however regulations regarding height do
apply.
Most lots in the City of Burlington are interior
lots, that is, they face onto a street and have
other properties on either side. The maximum
height of a fence on an interior lot is 2 m
(6.56 ft.), EXCEPT within 3 m (9.84 ft.) of the
front property line, where the height of the
fence must not be higher than 1.2 m (3.94 ft.).
From where do I measure my fence height?
Fence height shall be measured vertically
from grade, exclusive of any artificial
embankment, to the highest point of each
3 m (9.84 ft.) section of fence, excluding
decorative post caps.
Where the grade elevations along the fence
vary, maximum fence height may increase
to 2.3 m (7.55 ft.), provided that the lowest
height of the same 3 m (9.84 ft.) fence section
does not exceed 2 m (6.56 ft.) in height.
Through Lots
A through lot abuts a street at the front and
the rear. The maximum height of a fence on
a through lot is 2 m (6.56 ft.), EXCEPT within
3 m (9.84 ft.) of the front property line where
the height of the fence must not exceed 1.2 m
(3.94 ft.).
Note: For corner lots, Zoning Bylaw 2020 as amended determines what is considered front,
rear and side yards. For further information, please contact us at 905-335-7642.
Corner Lots
Corner lots may be created by an intersection
or a sharp bend in a street. The maximum
height of a fence on a corner lot is 2 m
(6.56 ft.), EXCEPT within 3 m (9.84 ft.) of the
front property line, where the height of the
fence must not be higher than 1.2 m (3.94 ft.).
In addition, where two streets intersect, a
visibility triangle is required (see diagram).
Any solid fence or wall within this triangle may
not be higher than 1 m (3.28 ft.) and any trees,
shrubs, or hedges may not grow higher than
1 m (3.28 ft.) above the pavement in the
middle of the intersection.
Note: Most properties require a 9 m
(29.53 ft.) visibility triangle. This may
vary however, between different zoning
designations. Contact zoning staff for
requirements in your area 905-335-7642.