How Tall Can Privacy Fences Be? Fence Regulations
How tall can privacy fences be? Most homeowners install privacy fences that are 1.8m (6ft.) to 2.4m (8ft.) tall. In the city of Waterloo, your fence can be as high as 2.4m (8ft.) in your rear and interior side yards and 0.9m (3 feet) high in your front yard if you own an interior lot.
If you have a corner lot, however, your flanking yard (the edge of your yard that flanks the road) can only be 1.8m (6ft.), but it can be 0.9 m (3 feet) high in your front yard. Learn about other city fence regulations by clicking on the following links:
Note: You do not need a building permit to put up a fence in the City of Waterloo.
The purpose of your fence will help you determine how high it should be. Learn more.
Most privacy fences are 6 to 8 feet tall
How Tall Can Privacy Fences Be in Kitchener?
To read the complete guidelines for fence building in Kitchener, click here. The following are the highlights for fence height restrictions:
A fence between the front of your house and the front property line:
Maximum height is 0.9 m (3 feet) high
A fence along your rear property line:
Maximum height is 2.4m (8ft.) high
A fence on a corner lot along the corner visibility triangle (your property lines that abut the roads along your property):
Maximum height is 0.9 m (3 feet) high for 7.5m (25ft.) on either side of the corner triangle.
Note: You do not need a building permit to install a fence in Kitchener, unless it is going to be built around a swimming pool. Click here for swimming pool fence requirements.
Fences at the rear of properties in Kitchener can be 8 feet high
How Tall Can Privacy Fences Be in Cambridge?
To read the complete guidelines for fence building in Cambridge, click here. The following are the highlights for fence height restrictions:
A fence located at the back of the building line:
Maximum height is 2.1m high (6ft. 10.7in.)
A fence located at the back of the building line in an industrial zone:
Maximum height is 2.4m (8ft.) high
A fence located between the building line and the front lot line:
Maximum height is 0.9 m (3 feet) high
A fence on a corner lot along the corner visibility triangle:
Maximum height is 0.75m (2ft. 5.5in.)
A fence along the remaining roadside of a corner lot:
Maximum height is 2.1m high (6ft. 10.7in.)
Note: Fence height is measured from the base of the fence at the grade of the highest adjacent ground to the finished top of the fence.
Fences in industrial zones in Cambridge have different height restrictions
How Tall Can Privacy Fences Be in Guelph?
To read the complete guidelines for fence building in Guelph, click here. The following are the highlights for fence height restrictions:
A fence in your front yard:
Maximum height is 0.8m (2ft. 7in.)
A fence directly between two houses:
Maximum height is 1.9m (6ft. 2in.)
A fence in your rear yard:
Maximum height is 2.5m (8ft. 2in.)
A fence on a corner lot along the corner visibility triangle (for 9m along the front and side of the triangle):
Maximum height is 0.8m (2ft. 7in.)
A fence along the remaining roadside of a corner lot:
Maximum height is 1.9m (6ft. 2in.)
Front yard fences need to be lower than back yard fences
Consider the Purpose of Your Fence When Deciding on Its Height
Decorative vs Privacy:
If you just want a fence to improve the look of your property or to delineate your space, then the height of your fence doesn't matter as much as if you want to block the view of your neighbours.
Keep Your Dog Inside:
If one of the reasons for installing a fence around your property is to keep your dog inside, then the height of your fence is important. The size of your dog will determine the height of the fence that you need. If you have a small dog such as a Shih Tzu or Pekinese, then a 4-foot fence will work just fine. If you have a larger breed like a German shepherd or a Dalmatian, then you probably should make your fence at least 6 feet high.
Keep Deer Outside:
If you have a problem with deer wandering onto your property and eating your plants, then you should install a fence that is at least 7 feet high.
You will need a higher fence if you have a larger dog
Extending the Height of Your Existing Fence
If you already have a fence around your property and you would like to make it higher, you do have options. You could hire a fencing company to add an extension or topper to the top of your fence. This type of extension is usually made out of lattice or picket panels and is attached to the top of your fence. They not only add height, but they can also look quite decorative.
Before adding an extension, you should consider the condition of your existing fence. It needs to be structurally sound. If it is in poor shape, then it might be better for you to have a new fence installed that is the height that you want it to be. A fencing professional can check out your fence to see if it is sound and they can give you a quote on installing a new fence so you can make the best decision.
You could extend the height of your privacy fence with lattice
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Citywide Fences & Decks is a locally owned and operated business based in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. We have been proudly serving our community with the highest quality services for more than 13 years.
The services we offer include:
We provide free estimates, friendly expert advice, and a range of products and options to transform your property into something truly spectacular and functional. Contact us today for your free quote.
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