Fence/Privacy Screening Permit

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Fences or privacy screening higher than what’s allowed in the zoning regulations require a development permit.

Before You Apply

Do I need a permit?

A Development Permit is required for an over-height fence and/or privacy screening project if it is built:

At ground level and exceeding:
- 1.85 metres (6.1 feet) high in any portion of the rear yard or interior side yard
- 1.2 metres (4 feet) high in any portion of the front yard and/or flanking side yard (longer property line adjacent to the roadway)
On a platform structure (decks, porches) and exceeding:
- 1.2 metres (4 feet) high in any portion of the front yard, required side setback, or within 2.5 metres of a rear lot line
- 1.85 metres (6.1 feet) high in all other yards
On a rooftop terrace and NOT meeting the following:
- Minimum of 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) and not exceeding 1.7 metres (5.6 feet) in height

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.

Who can apply?

Homeowners can apply for home improvement permits or have their contractors apply for the permits on their behalf.
Homeowners can apply for heating and ventilation, plumbing, gas, and electrical trade permits if they live in the home and their home does not share walls with a neighbour. Otherwise, a certified trade contractor must apply for the permit.
A certified trade contractor is required to apply for heating and ventilation, plumbing, gas, and electrical permits when the home shares a wall with a neighbour (duplex, semi-detached, row townhouse, condominium).

Fees and Processing Times

Permit Fees

Effective January 1, 2023

Overheight Fence Permit Fees

Development Permit Fee	$180
Building Permit Fee	N/A
Safety Codes Permit Fee	N/A
Total Permit Fee	$180

Review the 2023 Residential Permits and Fees Schedule for associated permit fees.

Payment

There are several ways to make a payment.

Application Processing Times

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.

Tips and Professional Support

Ensure that your application is complete and meets all requirements outlined in step 1 below to avoid application processing delays.
Consider hiring a contractor or other professional support to help with the design and construction of your project.
Be mindful of construction safety considerations, such as being aware of and not damaging gas or other utility line locations.
Don’t start construction until you receive your approved permits.

Hiring Professional Support

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.

Step 1: Plan Your Project and Prepare Documents

Site Plan

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:

A north arrow
Property address
Corresponding streets and avenues
Dimensions of property lines
Location of existing buildings and structures
Fence location and height

Drawing Tips:

Draw on a real property report, plot plan, or graph paper.
Metric or imperial units are accepted. Please use units consistently.

Fence and Privacy Screening Height Based on Location

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.

Fence/privacy screening built on ground

An image showing details of fence/privacy screening height on a property

The height of the fence is determined by going 0.5 metres in from the property line along which the fence, wall, or gate is to be constructed and then measuring vertically from the general ground level to the top of the fence board.

Privacy screening built on a platform structure (deck, porch)

An image showing details of privacy screening height on a platform

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.

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.

If you want to use vegetation such as shrubs or trees as part of your fence or privacy screening, review the residential landscaping guide .

Step 2: Apply

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.

For Homeowners

Use the online self-serve wizard to submit an application.

Apply Online

For Contractors and Professionals

Submit an application for your client under your business account.

Drop off or Mail-In

Drop off or mail in your application to the Edmonton Service Centre. Applicants need to include:

Home Improvement Permit Application Form
1 copy of all required documents for your project

Step 3: After You Apply

City staff will review your application to ensure your project complies with the City of Edmonton Zoning Bylaw and the Alberta Safety Codes Act.

Making Changes Before Permit is Issued

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.

Manage Application

Making Changes After Permit is Issued

Permit holders can request changes after the permit has been issued by visiting the project dashboard.

Please note: additional charges may apply for revisions.

Manage Application

Cancelling a Permit or Application

Complete and submit the cancellation and refund form if you no longer plan to continue with the work.

Cancellation / Refund Request Form

Replying to a More Information Request

City staff may also reach out to you to request additional information at various stages of the permit application review process.

More Information Requested (MIR) Guide

Application Notification

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.

Step 4: Inspections

Permit holders can request an inspection within their self-serve project dashboard under the 'Inspections' heading, or by calling 311.

Learn more about inspections

Inspections are not required for a fence or privacy screening.

Need Help?

Contact our Development Services team to get help with your project.

For General Questions

Appointments

Book an appointment for general questions about your project and the permit requirements:

Phone

311 (outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311)

Related Information

CLICK-Before-You-Dig or call 1-800-242-3447 to safely identify buried utility lines at no charge
Subdivision and Development Appeal Board: The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) hears appeals from people who have been affected by a decision of the Development Authority or the Subdivision Authority
Landscaping Requirements Brochure: Details and a guide for landscaping around homes
Service Alberta - Land Titles: Service Alberta is responsible for registering land ownership rights in Alberta

For More Information

Edmonton Service Centre

Hours of Operation:
8am - 4:30pm
Monday - Friday (by appointment)

Contact Us Online

Telephone	In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311