Do You Need a Permit to Build a Fence in London, Ontario?

Fencing · 5 min read

Before you build a fence in London, Ontario, it's worth understanding the local rules — getting height, placement or property lines wrong can mean a costly do-over. This is general guidance, not legal advice, and bylaws change, so always confirm the current requirements with the City of London before you start. Here's the lay of the land for 2025.

Do Residential Fences Need a Permit?

In many cases a standard residential fence in London does not require a building permit, but it must comply with the City's fence bylaw — which governs things like maximum height and placement. The catch is that "no permit" doesn't mean "no rules." Pool enclosures are a notable exception and are strictly regulated for safety, with their own height and gate requirements. When in doubt, a quick call to the City saves headaches.

Height Rules of Thumb

Fence bylaws typically allow taller fences (commonly around 2 metres / roughly 6–7 feet) in rear and side yards, with lower limits in front yards to maintain sightlines — especially on corner lots near intersections, where visibility triangles restrict height. If your fence sits near a driveway or corner, those sightline rules matter for both compliance and safety.

Property Lines: Measure Twice

The single most common fencing dispute is the property line. Building even a few inches over your neighbour's boundary can force removal later. We recommend checking your survey (or ordering one if you don't have it) and talking to your neighbour early — shared fences are often a shared cost and a much smoother project when everyone's on the same page from the start.

Build It Right for Our Winters

Compliance aside, the thing that determines whether a fence lasts is what happens below ground. London's clay soil and freeze-thaw cycles heave shallow posts, so footings need to go below the frost line. You can read more about our approach on the fence installation page, and if you're curious about budget, see our guide to fence installation cost in London. We handle the build to bylaw and stand behind it with a 2-year warranty — and we're glad to help you confirm requirements before we dig.