How tall can my fence be? Do I need a fence around my pool?
In the Town of Pelham, Ontario, max height rear side: 1.82 m (6'-0"); max height front: 1.22 m (4'-0"); sight triangle: No fence greater than 0.5 m (1.8 ft.) above grade within 9.1 m (30'0") of any roadway intersection; prohibited materials: Barbed wire, razor wire, other barbed material; electrified fences (exceptions for agricultural and provincial/federal uses). Source: Lawful Fences By-law 4157(2019); Swimming Pool and Hot Tub By-law 60-2023, verified 2026-08-29.
Lawful Fences By-law 4157(2019)
adopted bylaw
max height rear side
1.82 m (6'-0")
s. 7: "No fence of a greater height than 1.82 m (6'-0") above the adjoining ground level shall be erected ... in any rear yard"
max height front
1.22 m (4'-0")
s. 6: "No fence of a greater height than 1.22 m (4'-0") above the adjoining ground level shall be erected ... in any front yard"
sight triangle
No fence greater than 0.5 m (1.8 ft.) above grade within 9.1 m (30'0") of any roadway intersection
s. 5; s. 8.3: "No fence of a greater height than 0.5 m (1.8 ft.) above the grade level of any adjacent roadway ... within 9.1 m (30'0") of any roadway intersection"
prohibited materials
Barbed wire, razor wire, other barbed material; electrified fences (exceptions for agricultural and provincial/federal uses)
s. 11 (barbed/razor wire); s. 12 (electrified fences)
scout note
Front-yard fences max 1.22 m (4 ft); side/rear-yard fences max 1.82 m (6 ft); fences within 9.1 m of a road intersection limited to 0.5 m to preserve sight lines. Repeals By-law 1034(1985).
Swimming Pool and Hot Tub By-law 60-2023
adopted bylaw
permit required
True
s. 4.1
pool enclosure
Height 1.5 m to 1.82 m; clearance ≤100 mm from ground; gates self-closing, self-latching, and lockable on pool-facing side.
s. 6.2(a); s. 6.6(e); s. 6.6(f)
prohibited materials
Barbed wire and ability to project electrical current prohibited on gates.
s. 6.6(c)
scout note
Requires a Pool Permit before constructing an above-ground or in-ground outdoor swimming pool, and the pool and enclosure must be inspected and approved by the Town before water is placed in it. A pool must be surrounded by a permanent enclosure (fence, wall, barrier or building wall) not less than 1.5 m and not more than 1.82 m high, with