East Gwillimbury (EG) has a Fence By-law which regulates the construction and compliance of fences within the town. A permit is not required to build a standard fence, however, if the fence will be used as a pool enclosure, a Pool Enclosure Permit is required.

Fences can be built on a property line. Determine the property line by looking at the property survey from when the home was purchased. EG does not determine property lines. Without a property survey, a private company can be hired to determine the property line.

The cost of a fence between two property owners should be shared as both parties are legally considered joint owners of the fence. If two property owners cannot agree or reach an agreement, it becomes a civil matter between the property owners and the owner wishing to go ahead with building a fence must give a Notice of Intent.

Notice of Intent

A Notice of Intent can be delivered to the adjoining property owner by registered mail, advising the intent to construct or maintain the division fence. The Notice of Intent must have the following information:

  • Three written quotes for the actual cost and/or basic cost (4 foot, 1-1/2-inch mesh, steel chain link fence) of the fence work
  • Statement that the construction/maintenance may begin 14 business days after the mailing of the Notice of Intent and may seek contributory payment for the work.
  • Statement that the adjoining owner may obtain three additional quotes no later than ten business days from the date of mailing of the Notice of Intent.

See Division Fence By-law 2019-129 and procedures for more information. 

Homeowners should not install any landscaping or construct any structures which may alter the grading and/or drainage to their lot or neighbouring lots until grading has been completed by the developer and certified by the consulting engineer. Construction before this approval may result in removal.

Requirements for Fences

Height Restrictions 

Front yard fences shall not exceed a height of 0.9 metres (3 feet) except if chain link which shall not exceed 1.2 metres (4 feet) in height.

Side yard and rear yard fences shall not exceed 2 metres (6.6 feet) in height.
Set Back Restrictions

All fences shall be located a minimum of 45 centimetres (18 inches) from a sidewalk.

A Privacy Screen shall be located a minimum of 1 metre (3.37 feet) from the rear and side lot line and a minimum of 4.5 metres (14.9 feet) from street line.

Please be advised no fences are permitted in a Sight Triangle or Driveway Sight Triangle.

Fence variance

If a proposed or existing fence does not meet the requirements of this by-law, the property owner can apply for a variance to request permission for an exception. The application fee is $394.20 and can be paid by visiting Customer Service at the Civic Centre (19000 Leslie Street, Sharon).

Complete the Fence Variance Application