Pool fence enclosure permits

Check whether you need a permit

• A swimming pool is anything on private property that can be used for swimming, wading, or bathing and is 60 cm (≈ 1 ft 11⅝ in) (600 mm (≈ 1 ft 11⅝ in)) deep or more at any point.
• Owners of outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, whirlpools and other structures that are capable of being used for swimming must apply for a Pool Fence Enclosure Permit to build and maintain fences and gates around these outdoor structures.
• A pool cannot be constructed and filled with water without a fence installed as specified in the Fence Bylaw.
• You will need to obtain an approved Zoning Certificate and a Pool Fence Enclosure Permit to install a swimming pool enclosure.

Plan the enclosure to the Fence Bylaw

Properties with a swimming pool must have a pool enclosure that completely encloses the area around the pool.

• This is sometimes referred to as a four-sided pool fence.
• For example, a fence is required between the rear door of a house and the pool so that the home does not open into the pool area.
• The pool enclosure cannot have any openings, except for a gate that complies with the Fence Bylaw.
• The enclosure may be comprised of a fence, wall or other structure as long as there is no access to the pool area through the wall.
• Single Residential Property: 1.2 metres (≈ 3 ft 11¼ in)
• Multiple Residential Property: 1.8 metres (≈ 5 ft 10⅞ in)
• Non-Residential Property: 1.8 metres (≈ 5 ft 10⅞ in)
• completely surround the pool, with no opening except a gate that complies with the Fence Bylaw. If a wall of a building is part of the fence, the wall can’t have any doors or windows opening into the pool area
• be no closer than 1.2 m (≈ 3 ft 11¼ in) to the edge of the pool
• be no closer than 1 m (≈ 3 ft 3⅜ in) to any easily climbable object (such as a tree)
• have nothing climbable between 10 cm (≈ 3⅞ in) and 1.2 m (≈ 3 ft 11¼ in) above the ground that may facilitate climbing the outside of the enclosure
• have a non-climbable material on the outside of the enclosure
• cannot block the view of the pool (window or doorway) located on the main living area of the building
• open mesh chain-link fence or
• other open fence construction that does not restrict visibility of the pool from any door or window that is located on the main living area of the building, and which has a line of sight to the pool
• Permitted fence types are chain-link fencing (small gauge), wood fencing (either vertical or horizontal boards), a metal picket fence, a glass panel fence, and a masonry wall.
• Property owners should consult the bylaw for specific requirements for their fence type.
• All swimming pool enclosure gates must meet specific standards outlined in the Fence Bylaw, including being supported on substantial hinges, being self-closing and self-latching, and being kept locked at all time except when the pool area is in use.
• Double gates must have a lockable drop bolt.

Step 1: Apply for a Zoning Certificate0 of 10

A Zoning Applicable Law Certificate is required for your application for a Pool Fence Enclosure permit through Municipal Licensing and Standards.

• General Information3
• Site Plan7A detailed site plan, fully dimensioned and showing:

You need an account to see these 10 items.It’s free. Use Sign in at the top of the page to create one, then tick the items off on any device and print them as a checklist.

Apply online and pay the zoning fee

• You may now apply for a Zoning Applicable Law Certificate online using the Toronto Building Online Services Application Submission Tool.
• A User Guide is available to support your submission.
• To assist you with preparing a site plan that meets the requirements listed above, a Sample Pool Enclosure Drawing is available for download.
• Zoning Applicable Law Certificate Fee (All Other Proposals): $214.79, effective Jan. 1, 2026
• For further information please call Toronto Building Customer Service at 416-397-5330.

Step 2: Apply for a Pool Fence Enclosure Permit0 of 3

If your Zoning Certificate is approved, you need to submit the following to apply for a Pool Fence Enclosure Permit:

You need an account to see these 3 items.It’s free. Use Sign in at the top of the page to create one, then tick the items off on any device and print them as a checklist.

Submit your application

• Email the completed application and attachments to MLSPoolPermits@toronto.ca.
• Download a Frequently Asked Questions document for more information on proper documentation and other requirements for completing the application.
• Pool fence enclosure permit site plan reviews are typically completed within 10–20 business days from the date a complete application is received.
• A Bylaw Enforcement Officer (BEO) will contact you directly by email within this timeframe if additional information or follow-up is required.
• To follow up on the status of your pool fence enclosure permit, you can email MLSPoolPermits@toronto.ca or call 416-397-4150.

Book an inspection before you fill the pool

• You can not fill a swimming pool with water or permit water to collect or remain in a swimming pool until the City has conducted an inspection and confirmed completion of a permanent swimming pool enclosure that fully complies with the bylaw.
• Contact 311 to book an inspection.
• If you use your pool before this inspection, you may face a fine.