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Fences or privacy screening higher than what’s allowed in the zoning regulations requires a development permit.
As of June 3, 2024, walk-in inquiries for the following permit and licensing services are no longer available at the Edmonton Service Centre.
Book an in-person or virtual appointment for:
A Development Permit is required for an over-height fence and/or privacy screening project:
A building permit is not required for a fence or privacy screening unless it's being built as part of a hot tub or swimming pool screening.
2024 fees effective January 1, 2024
Overheight Fence Permit Fees
| Development Permit Fee | $185 |
| Building Permit Fee | N/A |
| Safety Codes Permit Fee | N/A |
| Total Permit Fee | $185 |
Review the
2024 Residential Permits and Fees
for associated permit fees.
There are several ways to make a payment.
Application processing times can be found on the development and construction application processing times web page in the home improvement permits section. You can also visit the building permit queue time web page for general building permit processing wait times or check the status of your specific application by visiting the project dashboard in selfserve.edmonton.ca.
Homeowners are encouraged to consider hiring professional contractors and designers to assist them, especially for more complex projects. Professional contractors and designers can help make the application process smoother by designing your project and drawing your plans so they meet requirements as well as applying for permits on your behalf.
We recommend using a contractor experienced in the type of project proposed. Working without an experienced, certified professional may significantly increase the application review processing time as City staff may require you to modify your plans to comply with regulations.
Where structural changes are included, such as load-bearing walls, engineer-stamped drawings are required. The plans and drawings submitted must meet application criteria and include a comparable level of detail as found in the sample plans (see step 1 below for details).
Why you need a development permit
Development permits ensure your projects are allowed and fit in with the surrounding neighbourhood as per the Zoning Bylaw.
Why you need a building permit
Building and trade permits ensure that what is built is safe and that design and construction are done following the Alberta Safety Codes Act.
Why permits are important
Permits are an important part of guiding development and achieving the safe, inclusive, vibrant and walkable city envisioned by The City Plan.
Permits allow you to begin construction. Starting work without written permission can result in stop-work orders, fines or administrative penalties.
The site plan shows the entire existing property. City staff need the site plan to understand where the fence or privacy screening will be located on the property and its height.
The site plan must include:
Drawing Tips:
The below diagrams show the location and height requirements for fence or privacy screening on your property. You will need a development permit if your fence or privacy screening exceeds the maximum height for the location as indicated in the diagram.
The height of a fence, wall or gate or privacy screening is determined by the height of the material being used to construct it, excluding fence posts or other structural anchors.
| Table 2.2 Fence Height Regulations | |||
| Subsection | Regulation | Value | Symbol |
| 2.2.1. | Maximum height in front yards | 1.3m | A |
| 2.2.2. | Maximum height in all other yards | 2.0m | B |
| Unless the following applies: | |||
| 2.2.3. | Maximum height for the portion of the fence between the flanking side lot line and the nearest wall of the principal building, not including projections, and extending from the rear lot line to the front yard, on corner sites that provide vehicle access from the flanking street | 1.3m | C |
The height of a fence is measured from the highest point along the portion of a fence, excluding structural posts, to the finished ground surface directly beneath the fence at that point.
The height for privacy screening is determined by going 0.5 metres in from the edge of the surface or platform structure along which the privacy screening will be constructed and then measuring vertically from that surface to the top of the privacy screening.
| Table 3.2 Privacy Screen Height Regulations | |||
| Section | Regulation | Value | Symbol |
| 3.2.1. | Maximum height in front yards | 1.3m | A |
| 3.2.2. | Maximum height in all other yards | 2.0m | B |
| Unless 1 or more of the following applies: | |||
| 3.2.3. | Maximum height within 2.5 metres of a rear lot line | 1.3m | C |
| 3.2.4. | Maximum height in required side setbacks | 1.3m | D |
The height of a privacy screen is measured from the highest point along the privacy screen, excluding structural posts, to the surface of the platform structure or rooftop terrace directly beneath that point.
A fence or privacy screening can be built out of wood, brick, stone, glass, concrete or metal. Using vegetation such as shrubs or trees is also allowed. However, electric fencing and barbed wire cannot be used.
Submit an application for the building, development and/or trade permits associated with the project once all plans and supporting documents needed are prepared (see Step 1). Submitting an incomplete application can result in delays.
Drop off or mail in your application to the Edmonton Service Centre. Applicants need to include:
City staff will review your application to ensure your project complies with the Zoning Bylaw and the Alberta Safety Codes Act.
Applicants can make changes while the application is in progress. Consult with the City employee assigned to your file.
Please note: changes may be subject to additional fees.
Permit holders can request changes after the permit has been issued by visiting the project dashboard.
Please note: additional charges may apply for revisions.
Complete and submit the cancellation and refund form if you no longer plan to continue with the work.
City staff may also reach out to you to request additional information at various stages of the permit application review process.
If your application is approved, we will notify your neighbours within 60 metres (197 feet) of your property. The notification period, in which your neighbours may appeal the development officer's decision, is approximately 4 weeks.
If your application is refused, you can appeal through the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.
Permit holders can request an inspection within their SelfServe project dashboard under the 'Inspections' heading, or by calling 311.
Inspections are not required for a fence or privacy screening.
Contact our Development Services team to get help with your project.
Appointments
Book an appointment for general questions about your project and the permit requirements:
Phone
311 (outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311)
| Telephone | In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311 |
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