A Development Permit is required for an over-height fence and/or privacy screening project:
Fences at ground level and exceeding:
2.0 metres (6 feet 7 inches) high in any portion of the rear yard or interior side yard
1.3 metres (4 feet 3 inches) high in any portion of the front yard and/or flanking side yard (longer property line adjacent to the roadway)
Privacy Screens on a platform structure (decks, porches) or a rooftop terrace and exceeding:
1.3 metres (4 feet 3 inches) high in any portion of the front yard, required side setback, or within 2.5 metres of a rear lot line
2.0 metres (6 feet 7 inches) high in all other yards
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).
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.
Refer to a land survey, such as a Real Property Report, to identify where your property lines are to avoid encroachments onto City or neighbouring properties.
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.
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 and/or privacy screen 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.
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 built on the ground
Table 2.2 Fence Height Regulations
Subsection
Regulation
Value
Symbol
2.2.1.
Maximum height in front yards
1.3m
A
2.2.2.
Maximum height in all other yards
2.0m
B
Unless the following applies:
2.2.3.
Maximum height for the portion of the fence between the flanking side lot line and the nearest wall of the principal building, not including projections, and extending from the rear lot line to the front yard, on corner sites that provide vehicle access from the flanking street
1.3m
C
The height of a fence is measured from the highest point along the portion of a fence, excluding structural posts, to the finished ground surface directly beneath the fence at that point.
Privacy screening built on a platform structure (deck, porch) or a rooftop terrace
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.
Table 3.2 Privacy Screen Height Regulations
Section
Regulation
Value
Symbol
3.2.1.
Maximum height in front yards
1.3m
A
3.2.2.
Maximum height in all other yards
2.0m
B
Unless 1 or more of the following applies:
3.2.3.
Maximum height within 2.5 metres of a rear lot line
1.3m
C
3.2.4.
Maximum height in required side setbacks
1.3m
D
The height of a privacy screen is measured from the highest point along the privacy screen, excluding structural posts, to the surface of the platform structure or rooftop terrace directly beneath that point.
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.
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.
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 Planner's decision, is approximately 4 weeks.
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