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Standard residential fences in Toronto do not require permits. The City of Toronto allows property owners to construct fences up to the bylaw height limits without obtaining permits. Front yard fences can reach 4 feet high, while side and rear yard fences can reach 6 feet high without permits. These fences must comply with material restrictions and cannot contain barbed wire, chicken wire, sheet metal, or corrugated metal panels.

Swimming pool fences require specific permits. Property owners must obtain both a Zoning Certificate from Toronto Building and a Pool Fence Enclosure Permit from Municipal Licensing & Standards. The two-step process involves submitting completed application forms, site plans showing fence location and materials, and paying the required fees. The city processes complete pool fence applications within approximately five business days.

Fences bordering public laneways in Toronto must be built entirely on private property and cannot encroach into the city-owned laneway right-of-way. Standard height limits of 6 feet for rear yards still apply, but additional visibility and safety restrictions may be imposed near laneway intersections to prevent blind spots for vehicles and pedestrians.

Property boundaries must be verified through a legal survey before installation since laneways are city property, and any encroachment requires special authorization from the city. The Transportation Services division handles laneway-related matters and can provide specific requirements for fence placement near these public passages.

Special permits or exemptions may be required through the Community Council process if the fence affects laneway access or creates safety concerns. Violations can result in enforcement action, including orders to remove or modify non-compliant fences that obstruct public laneway use.

Yes, Toronto has specific front yard fence height restrictions of 4 feet (1.2 metres) for fences within 2.4 metres of a public highway, and up to 6.5 feet (2.0 metres) for front yard fences set back further from the street. These restrictions ensure safety and visibility for pedestrians and motorists while maintaining neighborhood aesthetics.

The height limit depends on distance from the street - fences within 2.4 metres (about 8 feet) of a lot line abutting a public highway are restricted to 1.2 metres (4 feet) maximum height, while fences positioned further back in the front yard can reach 2.0 metres (6.5 feet). This graduated system balances privacy needs with public safety requirements.

Material restrictions also apply - front yard fences cannot contain barbed wire, chicken wire, sheet metal, corrugated metal panels, or conduct electricity. The lower height limits preserve clear sightlines at intersections and driveways while maintaining an open, welcoming streetscape character that Toronto seeks to protect.