Fences and fence exemptions

Check the Fence Bylaw

• The Fence Bylaw sets standards for fences in Toronto and includes rules for fence height, material, and structure.
• These rules vary depending on whether the fence is on residential or non-residential property, where the fence is located on the property and whether the fence encloses a pool.
• Property owners are encouraged to consult the Fence Bylaw for specific requirements and to ensure that their fences are fully compliant.
• If you have a swimming pool, you must have a swimming pool enclosure that completely surrounds the area around the pool. You will need to obtain an approved Zoning Certificate and a Pool Fence Enclosure Permit to install a swimming pool enclosure.
• For clarification on fence requirements, contact your local Municipal Licensing and Standards district office.

General Fence Rules

• Material: fences generally cannot contain barbed wire, chicken wire, or any other barbed or sharp material.
• Metal: sheet metal and corrugated metal panels are not allowed.
• Electric fences: most fences cannot be used to conduct electricity, unless the fence is on agricultural land used for raising livestock.
• Temporary fencing: temporary fences, with the exception of snow fences, are generally not allowed.
• There are maximum fence heights depending on where the fence is located on the property, as well as if the fence is on a residential or non-residential property.
• There are also specific height maximums for hedges, shrubs and other vegetation that acts as a fence.
• Use Table 1 of the Fence Bylaw to determine the maximum height allowed for specific fences.
• Fence height is measured by taking the average grade level, which is measured perpendicular to and one metre away on either side of the fence.
• For safety reasons, all fences within 2.4 metres (≈ 7 ft 10½ in) of a driveway must be of open-fence construction (for example, open mesh chain-link) for at least 2.4 metres (≈ 7 ft 10½ in) from the lot line where the driveway begins.
• This applies to the fence or hedge, as well as vegetation growing on the fence and any objects placed on the fence.
• If a fence is used as a guard, it must comply with the Property Standards Bylaw.
• If the guard forms part of a swimming pool enclosure, it must also comply with the Fence Bylaw.
• In circumstances where more than one applies, the more restrictive rule applies.
• A line fence (also called a division fence) is a fence located on the property line between two neighbouring properties.
• Under the Fences Bylaw, a fence includes any structure, hedge, shrub, or similar barrier that encloses, separates, screens, or marks the boundary between properties.
• In some cases, a row of trees planted along a property line may also be considered a fence.
• The City does not have a role in resolving disputes about the location or costs of boundary fences between properties.
• The Line Fences Act, except for section 20 (lands formerly used as part of a line of railway) does not apply in Toronto. As a result, the City does not accept applications for line fence viewing.

When to Apply

• Property owners can request an exemption from their local Community Council if they would like to install a fence that does not comply with the standards set out in the Fence Bylaw.
• A property owner should apply for a fence exemption before installing a new fence. However, an application may be made at any time.
• If an existing fence does not meet the City’s fence requirements, the property owner may be issued a Notice of Violation by a Bylaw Enforcement Officer. At that point, the owner has the option to apply for a fence exemption or correct the issue.

Hearings paused for the 2026 municipal elections

• Due to Municipal Elections Act requirements, all Community Council meetings will be suspended from August to December 2026. As a result, there will be no hearings for fence exemption applications during this period.
• The City will continue to accept fence exemption applications during this time. Applications will still be reviewed and inspected; however, final decisions will take place starting in early 2027 when Community Council meetings resume.
• If your application relates to a Notice of Violation, submitting a fence exemption application before January 2027 will pause City enforcement activities until a decision is made.
• For swimming pool enclosures, the pool cannot be used until the required enclosure is installed or an exemption is approved by Community Council.

How to Apply0 of 4

All fence exemption applications must include the following:

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Submit your application

• There are three Municipal Licensing and Standards district offices that can answer questions and/or accept your fence exemption application by mail.
• To determine which office serves your area, lookup your address in the Ward Profiles. You can also contact 311 for assistance.
• Central District: 433 Eastern Avenue, Building B, 2nd Floor; Toronto, ON M4M (≈ 13 ft 1½ in) 1B7. MLSCentral@toronto.ca, 416-397-4150. Wards serviced: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19. By appointment only: email MLSCentral@toronto.ca to schedule an appointment.
• West District: Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall, North Block, 3rd floor; Toronto, ON M9C 2Y2. MLSWest@toronto.ca, 416-397-4150. Wards serviced: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
• East District: 1530 Markham Road, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON M1B 3G2. MLSEast@toronto.ca, 416-397-4150. Wards served: 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25.

Pay the fee

• $200.00 per application
• The application fee is non-refundable.

Keep in Mind

• Nearby neighbours will be notified and have the opportunity to attend and speak to the application at the Community Council meeting.
• The name and address of the property owner requesting the exemption is made public in accordance with the Fence Bylaw, 447-1.5B.
• If a fence is not granted an exemption by City Council, the property owner will have to fix it so that it complies with the bylaw.
• You may wish to obtain letters of support from your adjacent neighbours to present at the hearing.