London 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 PS-6.
Last verified 2026-10-07 · City of London Fence By-law PS-6- City fee
- No permit fee for an ordinary project
- Where to apply
- City of London Development and Business Portal
- Review time
- The City aims to review a complete deck or house renovation application in 10 business days (15 for a second unit).
Up to 2.13 m (7 ft) in any yard, front yard included, but only 0.9 m inside the corner (5.4 m) and driveway (2.7 m) visibility triangles. Zoning also limits corner lots to 1.0 m within a 6.0 m sight triangle.
What an application usually includes
London’s checklist has the exact list; apply through City of London Development and Business 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
- A low deck still needs a permit if it's attached to the house. One City list suggests otherwise; the deck page is the one to follow.
- Pool fences must be at least 1.53 m (60 in) high, taller than in many Ontario cities.
- London has opted out of the Line Fences Act: if neighbours can't agree, costs are only shared for a 1.22 m (4 ft) chain-link fence.
Design your London fence to the Building Code.
The design, drawings and code checks work in London today. London’s own forms aren’t built in yet, so you’ll fill those in on the City’s portal.