Building a Fence | Town of Bracebridge

Before you get started, here’s what you need to know about building a fence on your property in Bracebridge.

Fence Bylaw Overview
The Town’s Fence Bylaw (2022-099) was established to:

Set clear standards for fence construction;
Help resolve disputes between neighbours; and
Ensure fences are safe and appropriate for their surroundings.

If your fence was built before the by-law was established, May 8, 2008, it is considered an existing fence. You do not need to bring it into compliance with the current bylaw unless you:

Substantially alter the fence, or
Replace it entirely.

Residential Properties

Fence Location	Maximum Height
Front Yard	1.22 m (4 ft)
Side & Rear Yards	2.44 m (8 ft)

Exemptions:

If your residential property backs onto a non-residential property, the fence can be up to 3.05 m (10 ft) tall along that portion.
If your lot backs onto a highway, height exemptions may apply.
Gates, decorative arches, and posts may also be exempt. Please refer to the by-law for details.

Non-Residential Properties

Fence Location	Maximum Height
Front Yard	1.22 m (4 ft)
Side & Rear Yards	2.44 m (8 ft)

Exemptions:

Fences may be up to 3.66 m (12 ft) high if adjacent to:
- Public Utilities
- Railways
- Electrical Distribution/Generation Facilities
- Compressor Stations
- Chemical or Explosive Storage
- Sludge Pits or similar facilities

Corner Lots vs. Interior Lots

A Corner Lot has frontage on two or more streets.
An Interior Lot is any lot that is not a corner lot.

Height rules may differ slightly based on your lot type. The diagram below demonstrates the maximum heights in the following areas.

Guidelines, Restrictions and Materials

All fences in Bracebridge must be:
Vertical and stable
Suitable for their intended purpose
Maintained in good repair, safe, and structurally sound
Free from hazards, markings, or graffiti

The following materials are not permitted in residential zones:

Barbed wire
Page wire
High-tensile wire
Electric fencing is only allowed on agricultural lands.

Hazardous materials are prohibited on any property.

Your Fence Must Not Interfere With:

Stormwater drainage
Natural watercourses
Public rights-of-way
Access to utilities or easements

If your fence cannot meet the by-law requirements, you must apply for a fence variance before building.

Non-Compliance
Building a fence that doesn’t follow the bylaw could result in:

A charge under the Provincial Offences Act; and
Fines as outlined in the by-law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build a fence?

No, a permit is not required to build a fence in Bracebridge, as long as your fence complies with the Fence Bylaw.

However, if you are building a pool enclosure, a permit is required under Bylaw 2008-047. Pools are not permitted without a compliant enclosure.

My fence was built before the by-law was established, do I need to change it?

If your Fence was built before May 8, 2008, it is considered to be an existing fence and you do not need to meet the requirements of the Fence Bylaw unless you are substantially altering the fence or replacing it.

Is there a maximum height for residential fences?

Yes. Front yard fences must be no higher than 1.22 m (4 ft), and side and rear yards no higher than 2.44 m (8 ft).