Fences

Our Fence By-law sets standards for fences in Haldimand County and includes regulations on their height and materials. 

On this page

• Residential fences
• Non-residential fences
• Fence disputes
• Swimming pool enclosures

Residential fences

Residential fences include any fence in a residential zone or zone that permits residential uses. For example, a property zoned Agriculture with a residential use (dwelling) must follow the requirements for Residential Fences. 

Height

• The corner sight triangle cannot exceed a height of .75 metres (2 feet, 6 inches) 
• The driveway visibility triangle cannot exceed a height of .75 metres (2 feet, 6 inches) 
• In any yard, a fence cannot exceed a height of 2 metres (6 feet, 6 inches) 
• Front yard fences cannot exceed a height of .9 meters (3 feet)

Materials

• Fences cannot contain any hazardous materials such as razor wire, barbed wire, sharp projections, tires, or be electrified
• Sheet metal fences and corrugated metal fence panels are not permitted

Fences Abutting Lake Erie

• Rear yard fences abutting Lake Erie cannot exceed a height of 1.2 metres (4 feet)
• Fences must be an open type construction, such as chain link, wood, vinyl, aluminum or iron, where the pickets are visually unobstructed throughout their length and height

Non-residential fences

Non-residential fences include any fence that is located in a zone that does not have a residential use. 

Height

• The corner sight triangle cannot exceed a height of .75 metres (2 feet, 6 inches) 
• The driveway visibility triangle cannot exceed a height of .75 metres (2 feet, 6 inches)
• In any yard, a fence cannot exceed a height of 3 metres (9 feet, 10 inches) 
• A fence constructed within 7.62 metres (25 feet) of the front lot line cannot exceed a height of .9 metres (3 feet)
• A fence abutting a residential zone cannot exceed a height of 3 metres (9 feet, 10 inches)

Materials

• Electrified fences are only permitted for livestock in a legally established agricultural operation

Fence disputes

Haldimand County does not have a role in disputes about the location or costs of boundary fences between properties. 

Before undertaking a fence project, you may wish to consult with your neighbour and obtain a survey to confirm the legal property boundaries.  

Note: The Lines Fences Act does not apply to land located within Haldimand County except for Section 20.

Swimming pool enclosures

Before installing any outdoor swimming pool capable of holding more than 450 mm (18 inches) of water (including temporary and inflatable above-ground pools), you must obtain a Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit. Once installed, you must ensure the pool is fully enclosed with fencing in compliance with our Swimming Pool Enclosure By-law. 

General regulations under the Swimming Pool Enclosure By-law include, but are not limited to:

• All swimming pool enclosures must have a height of at least 1.4 metres (4 feet) above grade
• No swimming pool enclosure may be constructed in a way that facilitates climbing
• Acceptable materials for swimming pool enclosure construction include chain link, vertical board, metal picket, vertical rod or angle iron construction, or another material deemed acceptable by the Chief Building Official
• Every gate and door providing access to an outdoor swimming pool shall be kept locked at all times when the pool is not in use or there is more than 450 mm (18 inches) of water in the pool and a responsible person is not present and supervising the pool
• All pool enclosures are required to pass a swimming pool enclosure inspection prior to more than 450 mm (18 inches) of water being added to the swimming pool.

The by-law does not apply to hot tubs, ornamental ponds, farm ponds and naturally occurring bodies of water.