Fences or privacy screening higher than what’s allowed in the zoning regulations require a development permit.
Two factors that need to be considered when building a fence or privacy screening are its height and location. Both are regulated by the Zoning Bylaw. If the height and location guidelines are followed, no development permit is required.
Zoning Regulations
The height of a fence/wall/gate or privacy screening (excluding vegetative screening) built on ground level should not exceed:
- 1.85 m (6.1 ft) in any portion of the rear yard and/or interior side yard
- 1.2 m (4 ft) in any portion of the front yard and/or flanking side yard (longer property line adjacent to the roadway)
Fence/Privacy Screening on Ground Diagram
The height of privacy screening (excluding vegetative screening) built on a platform structure should not exceed:
- 1.2 m (4 ft) in any portion of the front yard, required side setback, or within 2.5m of a rear lot line
- 1.85 m (6.1 ft) in all other yards
- 1.5 m (4.9 ft) when built on a rooftop terrace
Privacy Screening on Platform Structure Diagram
Measuring Fence or Privacy Screening Height
The height of a fence, wall, or gate or privacy screening is determined using the height of the material being used to construct it (not including fence posts or other structural anchors).
The height of a fence is determined by measuring from the general ground level 0.5 metres back of the property line of the site on which the fence, wall, or gate is to be constructed.
The height for privacy screening is determined by measuring from the general ground level 0.5 metres back where the privacy screening is to be constructed or from the surface of the platform structure.
Construction Materials
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.
Garbage stand as part of a fence
The garbage cans should be accessible from the front of a garbage stand, not the top. It should be large enough to accommodate your garbage cans, yard wastes in the summer, and your blue bag recyclables.
If building a garbage stand, the stand should be no more than 5 feet high. The floor of the stand should be about 12 inches high.
Garbage stands without doors are preferable. If used, doors should be hinged on the side, not the top. Latches should be operable while wearing mittens or gloves.
Application Procedure
Apply Online
Create an account, apply, pay and check application status.
Homeowners
Contractors and Professionals
Apply In Person
- Fill in the Residential Construction Application form
- Or provide us with your name, address and contact phone number. Include all additional documentation that pertains to the type of construction project.
- Your property's municipal address and legal description (plan number, block and lot as shown on your tax notice).
- All application fees
Call before you dig: 1-800-242-3447
Processing
- A Development Officer reviews the application for an over-height fence or privacy screen using the Zoning Bylaw regulations.
- If your application is approved, we will notify your neighbours within 60m (197 ft.) of your property. The notification period, in which your neighbours may appeal the development officer's decision, is approximately four weeks.
- If your application is refused, you can appeal through the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, Churchill Building, 10019 103 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 0G9, Phone: 780-496-6079.
| developmentpermits@edmonton.ca | |
| In Person |
City of Edmonton |
|
City of Edmonton |
|
| By Phone | 311 |
Permits and fees are only required if the fence or privacy screening is over the allowed height as designated by the Zoning Bylaw.
The 2023 development permit fee, if required, is $180, effective January 1, 2023.
Edmonton Service Centre
Contact Development Services Online
| Telephone |
In Edmonton: 311 |
| developmentpermits@edmonton.ca |