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Under Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 447, a typical residential fence may be up to 2.0 m (about 6 ft 7 in), but a front-yard fence within 2.4 m of a lot line abutting a public street is limited to 1.2 m (about 3 ft 11 in). Some side or rear boundary situations allow up to 2.5 m. Driveway sightlines, materials and pool enclosures have additional restrictions. A pool fence enclosure requires an approved Zoning Certificate and a Pool Fence Enclosure Permit. Your fence location, lot frontage, nearby driveway and intended use determine which rules apply.
For a residential fence in the front yard within 2.4 m of a lot line abutting a public highway (not a public lane), Toronto's Chapter 447 sets a 1.2 m maximum. Height is measured against average grade, not simply from one side of the fence.
A residential fence in the front yard but more than 2.4 m from a lot line abutting a public highway can be up to 2.0 m under Table 1 of Chapter 447. The location of the actual lot line matters.
For an ordinary residential fence that is not described by a special category in Table 1, Toronto sets a 2.0 m maximum. A 6-foot privacy fence is within that height, but proximity to a driveway or other conditions can still change what is allowed.
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For a residential fence in the front yard within 2.4 m of a lot line abutting a public highway (not a public lane), Toronto's Chapter 447 sets a 1.2 m maximum. Height is measured against average grade, not simply from one side of the fence.
A residential fence in the front yard but more than 2.4 m from a lot line abutting a public highway can be up to 2.0 m under Table 1 of Chapter 447. The location of the actual lot line matters.
For an ordinary residential fence that is not described by a special category in Table 1, Toronto sets a 2.0 m maximum. A 6-foot privacy fence is within that height, but proximity to a driveway or other conditions can still change what is allowed.
Table 1 permits up to 2.5 m for some non-front-yard residential fences that border a multi-residential or non-residential property, public highway or public walkway, provided another listed fence category does not control. Do not apply this exception to every backyard.
If any fence is within 2.4 m of a driveway, it must be open-fence construction for at least 2.4 m from the lot line where the driveway begins. Solid panels or vegetation must not block the required sightline.
Toronto generally prohibits corrugated or sheet metal panels, barbed and sharp materials, chicken wire and most electric fences. Temporary fence types also have restrictions. Review the materials before ordering.
Toronto requires approval of a Zoning Certificate and a Pool Fence Enclosure Permit before installing a swimming pool enclosure. This is a distinct approval route from an ordinary privacy fence. Limited exceptions apply to certain covered hot tubs or spas.
A Toronto pool fence must completely enclose the pool. Minimum enclosure height is 1.2 m for a single-residential property and 1.8 m for multiple-residential or non-residential property, with additional setback, gate and anti-climb rules.
Toronto lists a $214.79 fee for the Zoning Applicable Law Certificate required before applying for a Pool Fence Enclosure Permit. This is the zoning review fee, not a quoted total for all pool enclosure approvals.
Toronto permits property owners to request a fence exemption through their local Community Council. A $200 application fee is listed, approval is not guaranteed and the City recommends applying before constructing a non-compliant fence.
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