How tall can my fence be? Do I need a fence around my pool?

Fences & pool enclosures — Ottawa, Ontario: City of Ottawa Fence By-law 2003-462, consolidated

In the City of Ottawa, Ontario, fences & pool enclosures rules are set by City of Ottawa Fence By-law 2003-462, consolidated, verified 2026-10-25. Max height front: 1 m. Max height rear side: 213 cm. Pool enclosure: Fence must not render a swimming pool enclosure non-conforming with the Pool Enclosure By-law.

City of Ottawa Fence By-law 2003-462, consolidated adopted bylaw

max height rear side	213 cm	s. 5(2)
max height front	1 m	s. 5(1)
pool enclosure	Fence must not render a swimming pool enclosure non-conforming with the Pool Enclosure By-law.	s. 13(3)
sight triangle	Corner lot: no fence greater than 75 cm within visibility triangle measured 3 m along lot lines from highway intersection (angle not more than 135 degrees); any lot: no fence greater than 75 cm within 2 m driveway/lot-line visibility triangle.	s. 4(1)-(2)
prohibited materials	Barbed wire, chicken wire, other barbed/sharp material, electric-current devices; uncoated chain link on residential/abutting residential.	s. 13(1)-(2), s. 18

scout note

Section 5 limits residential fences to 1 metre in a front yard and 2.13 metres elsewhere. Section 8 limits non-residential fences to 3 metres. Sections 13 and 15 prohibit specified hazardous materials and require the finished side to face outward, subject to exceptions.