Waterloo fence by-law: when you need one and what to submit
The short answer
Most fences need no permit if they follow Fence By-law 2013-017.
Last verified 2026-10-06 · City of Waterloo: Build or change a fence (By-law 2013-017)- City fee
- No permit fee for an ordinary project
- Where to apply
- City of Waterloo building permit portal
- Review time
- The City targets 10 business days for a complete house application.
Front yard 0.9 m; side and rear yards 2.44 m; flankage yard on a corner lot 1.83 m; no fence inside the 3 m × 15 m daylight corner. A masonry fence over 0.6 m needs a building permit.
What Waterloo wants to see
- 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
- Fence posts must be at least 4 × 4 in and sunk 0.6 m, and the good side faces your neighbour unless they agree otherwise.
Get your Waterloo fence application ready to submit.
A sentence, a photo or an old survey is enough. Try the real thing free, no account.