Permit guideKitchenerBuilding PermitsFences
Fence variances
If your fence does not meet the requirements of the City's fence bylaw, you can make an application for a variance request.
The municipality lists what to submit. CodeEase shows what the building code asks of it. See CodeEase →
Check whether this applies
- If your fence does not meet the requirements of our fence bylaw, you can make an application for a variance request.
Complete the form1
Submit your application
- Download the application form and submit it with the fee to our planning division.
The fence variance process
- for fences on interior lots, all abutting property owners get written notice of the request and have the opportunity to express comments
- for street flanking fences on corner lots, all property owners within a 30 metre (≈ 98 ft 5⅛ in) radius get written notice of the request and have the opportunity to share their comments
- planning staff may also circulate and get input from other departments or agencies with an interest in the application
- If there are no concerns, the process takes approximately three weeks. Approval may be subject to conditions, which must be fulfilled in order to finalize the variance.
- If there are objections from the community, staff will attempt to address the concerns or seek a compromise with the applicant. If the concerns cannot be resolved, or if staff do not support the requested variance, community members or the applicant will have the opportunity to appeal the staff recommendation to city council.
Written from Kitchener’s own pages as published on 23 October 2026. The municipality decides what a permit needs: confirm with it before you apply. Legal notice