Fences
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If you plan to build a fence, make sure you follow the regulations set out in Clarington's fence by-law.
What is a line fence?
A line fence is any fence that marks the boundary between your property and a neighbouring property. A single property owner or several property owners may erect a line fence by mutual agreement on the boundary of the property. A legal plan of survey is useful in determining the boundary of the property.
Before you dig
Before you dig on or near your property, you need to request to find service lines on your property. Digging on your property, even with a shovel, can damage underground utility service lines that provide water, cable, hydro and gas.
Request a free locate online or call 1-800-400-2255.
Fence regulations
The maximum height of a fence in the Municipality of Clarington is 2.1 metres (7 feet) in the backyard, and 1.2 metres (4 feet) in the front yard. Fence height is measured from the lowest grade abutting the fence and lattice is included in the measurement. Fences over .75 meters (2.46 feet) are not permitted in visibility triangles (see diagram below).
Fence requirements between commercial or industrial property and private property are usually identified through the site plan approval process. Chain link security fences may also be located between municipal property or open space and private property. Noise fences may be placed on private property as part of the subdivision agreement. For information on any of these types of fences, please contact the Planning and Infrastructure Services Department.
What is a visibility triangle?
Visibility triangles or sight triangles are unobstructed areas on properties located at the intersection of two streets or a street and a driveway that must remain clear. They are necessary for driver and pedestrian safety.
Sharing the cost of a fence
When you want to construct a fence, you should approach the neighbouring landowner and enter into an agreement regarding the location, materials and cost of the work.
In the case of a dispute between neighbours, and when all other alternatives for resolution have been exhausted, the Municipality has a Fence Cost Sharing By-law (2011-045). Under the terms of this by-law, each party is responsible for only one half of the cost of a minimum 1.2 metres (4 feet) chain link fence. Any dispute in fencing beyond this amount would require the parties to enter into civil action and gain a court judgement
Building a fence on a new lot
Do not erect a fence on a new lot (created by subdivision or land division) until the developer's consultant has certified the lot grading. To inquire whether your lot grading has been certified, contact the Building Services Division.
Building a fence around a pool
If you are building a fence around a pool, please see the pool enclosures page to apply for a pool enclosure permit.
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