Fences

What should I do before erecting a fence?

​Before erecting a fence, please review BWG's Fence By-law 2020-105. If you have any questions or concerns about the by-law, please contact the Enforcement Division at 905-775-5366 ext. 1701.

Remember to call before you dig to ensure it is safe to do so, by contacting Ontario One Call​ at 1-800-400-2255 to locate underground infrastructure​.

Do I need a permit to build my fence?

​A permit is not required to build or replace your fence; however, you are required to comply with the Town's Fence By-law 2020-105.

If the fence is used as a pool enclosure, you will require a pool enclosure permit. Please see Swimming Pool Fence By-law 2016-65 or contact the Building Department at 905-775-2055.

Who determines the property lines?

​You can determine your property lines by looking at the property survey, which you should have received at the time you purchased your home, or contact an Ontario Land Surveyor. The Town of BWG does not determine property lines or resolve property line disputes.

Should adjoining property owners share the cost of a fence if it is dividing their properties?

​The Town does not have a role in resolving disputes about the location or costs of boundary fences between properties. Neighbours are encouraged to speak to each other about their boundary fences and to resolve any issues that occur. If they feel it is necessary, they may wish to seek their own legal or other professional advice.

Please note: the Line Fences Act does not apply in BWG. Please refer to the Division Fence By-law 2013-06 to review a self-governing process to allocate the costs of Division Fences between adjoining neighbours.

Are there height restrictions?

Rear Yard: No fence erected in a rear yard shall exceed 2.1 metres (7 feet) in height.

Interior Side Yard: No fence erected in an interior side yard shall exceed 2.1 metres (7 feet) in height.

Exterior Side Yard: No fence erected in an exterior side yard shall exceed 2.1 metres (7 feet) in height.

Front Yard: No fence erected in a front yard shall exceed 0.9 metre (3 feet) in height.

Please Note: No person shall erect a fence across the front property line of their property unless located on a corner lot or for the purposes of an entranceway/ornamental gate in compliance with the Fence By-law.​​

Corner Lot: No person shall erect a fence or privacy screen within a sight triangle or in a manner as to create an obstruction within a sight triangle or driveway sight triangle.​

This image shows how to determine the "sight triangle" on a corner lot, which is the space that must be left clear so that drivers can see traffic coming around corners. For assistance, please contact the Enforcement Division at 905-775-5366 ext. 1701.

What is a Privacy Screen and do they have a height restriction?

A privacy screen is a visual barrier used to shield any part of a yard from view from any adjacent property or highway but does not include a fence or hedge.

A privacy screen can be a maximum height of 3 metres (10 feet) from grade and no more than 2 metres (6.5 feet) if constructed on a deck, provided that it is placed at least 0.6 metres (2 feet) from any lot line at least 4.5 metres (14 feet, 9 inches) from a front lot line.

To learn more about privacy screens, consult the Fence By-law.​

When can I build my fence?

Homeowners who have purchased a newly-built home should not install any landscaping or construct any structures that may alter the grading and/or drainage to their lot or neighbouring lots until the grading has been completed by the developer and certified by the consulting engineer. This is to ensure the builder can perform work to complete grading and finish works within the subdivision. If you build a fence before the consulting engineer has approved the grading, your builder may ask you to remove the fence.

Remember; always call 1-800-400-2255 before you dig to ensure the installation of a fence will not affect the underground infrastructure.

Does the fence by-law include swimming pool enclosures?

All pools require a pool enclosure permit regardless of when they were built. A pool enclosure permit is required before beginning construction. Permits may be obtained from the Town. For further information on pool enclosure permits, please refer to the Swimming Pool Fence By-law 2016-65.

What if my fence is already build and does not comply with the fence by-law?

​If your fence is in violation of the Fence By-law, or the Town receives a complaint regarding your fence, you will be required to modify the fence and bring it into compliance with the Town of BWG's Fence By-law 2020-105, as amended.​