Does Your Fence Require a Building Permit?
If you're planning to build a new fence, you're probably discovering that there's a bit more to it than you thought. Fences are a lot more complicated than most people realize, until they decide they want one!
One of the things you might be wondering is whether you need a building permit for a fence. Here's what you need to know.
Does Your Fence Require a Building Permit?
Maybe. The thing with building permits is that they are usually decided by the city or district you live in. Which means you usually need to contact local authorities to find out if you do need a building permit for a fence.
Building permit requirements for fences can also vary based on what kind of fence you want to build, how high it will be and where it will be built.
Don't assume that because you have a fence already, you'll automatically get a permit for a new one either! Sometimes, fences that were installed before bylaws in your area changed are "grandfathered in" but as soon as you take them down you have to apply for a new fence building permit.
How Do You Get a Fence Building Permit?
Once you've learned that you do need a fence building permit, you will need to find out what the process is. Depending on where you live and what kind of fence you want to build, you may need to get:
- A site layout and plan for the fence
- Drawings of the fence that you submit to your local building department
- Permission from any neighbours who might be affected by your fence installation
- Specifications from the manufacturer
You might also need special permission to install a fence that is higher than the standard for the area, or if you want to install electric fence or razor coils, which might be considered a public hazard.
Find Out Before You Start!
Most fence contractors will not get building permits for you. Which menas you need to have all the paperwork in place before they start any fence job. Find out before you start getting quotes for your fence, because there might be changes to the design that are dictated by building regulations.
You also don't want to have work stopped on your new fence after the old one is taken down while you wait for permits and permissions!
