Fences and pool/hot tub enclosures are regulated by the bylaw department. For questions, contact 519-747-8785 or municipalenforcement@waterloo.ca
Fence regulations
You do not require a permit to build a fence on your property. The fence bylaw regulates fences.
Fences on a corner lot
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- maximum 0.9 m (3 ft.) high in the front yard
- maximum 1.8 m (6 ft.) high in the flankage yard
- maximum 2.4 m (8 ft.) high in the rear and interior side yards
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Fences on interior lots
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- maximum 0.9 m (3 ft.) high in the front yard
- maximum 2.4 m (8 ft.) high in the rear and interior side yards
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Shared fence on a property line
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'Division' fences between two properties are governed by the Division Fence Bylaw (PDF). It explains the process for cost sharing agreements between owners on either side of the fence.
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Common infractions to the fence bylaw
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- be built in the daylight visibility triangle
- obstruct visibility to drivers or pedestrians
- encroachment onto city-owned property
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Daylight visibility triangle (DLVT)
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The daylight visibility triangle (DLVT) and driveway visibility triangle (DVT) assist pedestrians and drivers with while driving around corners and entering/exiting their property.
Guidelines for the DLVT:
- no fence can be constructed inside this triangle
Measuring your DLVT:
- start at the intersection where the front lot line and the flankage lot lines meet
- measure 3 m (10 ft.) along the front lot line and make a a mark
- measure 15 m (50 ft.) along front lot line and make a second mark
- repeat this action along the flankage lot line
- connect the 3 m (10 ft.) mark along the front lot line with the 15 m (ft.) mark along the flankage lot line
- repeat this action along the flankage lot line
- the two triangles formed in the corner of your lot represent the DLVT
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Driveway visibility triangle (DVT)
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The daylight visibility triangle (DLVT) and driveway visibility triangle (DVT) assist pedestrians and drivers with while driving around corners and entering/exiting their property.
Guidelines for the DVT:
- no fence over 0.9 m (3 ft.) high can be constructed in this triangle
- you are required to provide a DVT whether the driveway is on your property or the adjacent property
Measuring your DVT:
- start at the front lot line abutting a street
- measure 2 m (6.56 ft.) starting from your drive across your lot and make a mark
- measure 2 m (6.56 ft.) diagonally from the first mark towards your
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Map of the DLVT and the DVT
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Applying for an exemption
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You can apply for an exemption to the Fence Bylaw through the Committee of Adjustment.
- Download and fill out a fence variance application (PDF).
- Include a property survey, a site plan with existing buildings, driveways and uses, and details about the size and construction of the fence.
- Submit complete applications in person to the Planning Approvals counter on the second floor of City Hall.
- The application fee of $589 is due upon submission. We accept cash, cheque, money order and debit.
- Meetings will be schedule as required, based on the number of applications filed.
Questions regarding an exemption can be directed to Danielle Ingram at 519-747-8773.
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Pool and hot tub enclosures
Enclosures are required for all pools and hot tubs with a depth of 60cm or more. Full regulatory details are in the pool enclosure bylaw.
Pool enclosure can include a fence, building or wall. Fences must comply with the fence bylaw. For hot tubs, the enclosure can be a fence or an approved lockable hot tub lid.
Forms
You need a set of drawings and the following forms to make an application:
Requirements
Permit application
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If hiring a contractor to complete the work please fill out your personal information as well as the contractor's personal information on the application form
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Drawings and documentation
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Drawings must include:
- location of the pool
- pool enclosure located at least 1.9 m
(3 ft.) from water's edge
- all existing structures on property including sheds, buildings on the property, abutting properties showing dimension and setbacks from property lines and adjacent streets
- existing structures on abutting properties in relation to the pool enclosure such as sheds on neighbouring properties
- elevations and cross-section views of proposed pool enclosure structure and gates including dimension, design and materials to be used including all locking mechanisms
Required on fence cross section drawing:
- type of material used to construct fence
- height of fence
- spacing of horizontal and vertical members
- size of spaces in fence such as the distance between boards or posts
- ground clearance measurement from ground to the bottom of the fence
- self-latching with lock location minimum 1.22 m (4 ft.) from grade on interior side
- self-closing gate device
- no climbable members on exterior
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Application process
- Print your forms or load them on a digital storage device (DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and USB memory sticks are accepted).
- Submit and pay in person at the municipal enforcement counter on the first floor of city hall. Cash, cheque, debit and are accepted. The cost is $165.24. Fees are waived for hot tubs with lockable lids that meet ASTM standards F1346-91.
Tips and contacts
Design tips and bylaw requirements
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- pool enclosure must be a minimum of 1.52 m (5 ft.) in height from the ground
- all gates must have a self-closing and self-latching device
- pool enclosures must be located .6 m (2 ft.) from any structure or fence on the main property or neighbouring properties
- enclosure must be 1.5 m (5 ft.) from any entrance way, gateway or doorway
- ground clearance between the ground and bottom of the pool enclosure must not exceed 50 mm (2 inches)
- all horizontal structural members must be located inside of the pool enclosure to prevent easy climbing from the outside of the enclosure
- entranceways through buildings must be equipped with doors that have a bolt of chain latch at a minimum height of 1.83 m (6 ft.)
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Contacts
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- Ontario One Call locates any buried infrastructure on the property and will identify it safely for you, call 1-800-400-2255
- use our interactive map to determine how your property is zoned. For questions, contact Danielle Ingram in our planning division during business hours at 519-747-8773.
- please contact our Building Division if building a shed or any additional structural units to accommodate your pool by calling 519-747-8712
- Grand River Conservation Authority must be contacted if you are constructing a covered deck within the floodplain. Check this map (PDF) to determine if you are in the floodplain.
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