Cambridge fence by-law: when you need one and what to submit
The short answer
No permit for an ordinary fence that follows Fence By-law 92-05.
Last verified 2026-10-07 · City of Cambridge: Common by-law inquiries (fences, pools), City of Cambridge Fence By-law 92-05 (PDF), City of Cambridge Zoning By-law 26-007 (PDF)- City fee
- No permit fee for an ordinary project
- Where to apply
- City of Cambridge application portal
0.9 m (3 ft) in front of the house and 2.1 m (6.9 ft) beside and behind it. Nothing over 0.75 m inside the corner sight triangle, which is 5, 7 or 10 m depending on the road.
What an application usually includes
Cambridge’s checklist has the exact list; apply through City of Cambridge application portal.
- Usually nothing: an ordinary fence that follows the by-law needs no permit
- For a variance: a site plan, the fence height and design, and notice to neighbours
- For a masonry fence or a pool enclosure: the City’s own permit
Local quirks
- No water in a pool or hot tub until the City's final inspection, and building before the permit doubles the pool permit fee.
- A deck has to stay at least 3.0 m (about 10 ft) from the rear lot line.
- Removing or damaging a private tree 20 cm (8 in) across or more needs its own tree permit.
Design your Cambridge fence to the Building Code.
The design, drawings and code checks work in Cambridge today. Cambridge’s own forms aren’t built in yet, so you’ll fill those in on the City’s portal.