Fences and Pools | Township of Wilmot

The installation of fences and pools is regulated by the Township's Fence By-law. A building permit is required for pools and fences surrounding pools. Other fences must comply with certain regulations set out in the by-law.

Fences

A permit is not required for fences unless the fence is surrounding a pool. Fences must:

Be a maximum of 0.75m (2 ft, 6 in) high in the front yard, driveway visibility triangle, or corner visibility triangle.
Be a maximum of 1.98m (6 ft, 6 in) high in a side yard, exterior side yard, and rear yard provided it is not located in the driveway visibility triangle or corner visibility triangle.
Not obstruct visibility of drivers or pedestrians
Not located closer than 1.98m (6 ft, 6 in) from a fire hydrant with the exception of a fence located to the rear of a fire hydrant, as viewed from the centre of the road, which may not be located closer than 1m (3 ft, 3 in) to the rear of the hydrant.

Certain exemptions may apply to agricultural, commercial, industrial, and industrial properties. Please review the Fence By-law for complete details or contact the Planning Division.

The Fence By-law does not regulate the distance a fence must be from a property line. It is highly recommended to discuss your fence project with neighbouring properties and to call for locates before you dig.

Visibility Triangles

Driveway Visibility Triangle

The Driveway Visibility Triangle (DVT) is the triangular space formed by measuring 4.5m (15 ft) up the driveway and 4.5m (15 ft) down the lot line abutting a street. No fence (including hedge or grouping of shrubs) over 0.75m (2 ft, 6 in) may be constructed inside this triangle. You are required to provide a DVT whether the driveway is on your property or on the adjacent property. An illustration of a DVT is provided in the Fence and Pool Handout.

Corner Visibility Triangle

The Corner Visibility Triangle (CVT) is the triangular space formed by measuring 7.5m (25 ft) along each property line abutting a street from the point where the property lines meet. No fence (including a hedge or grouping of shrubs) over 0.75m (2 ft, 6 in) may be constructed within this triangle. An illustration of a CVT is provided in the Fence and Pool Handout.

Swimming Pools

In ground and above ground pools (including temporary or inflatable) with a design depth of 0.9m (36 in) require a permit. Permits are not required for hot tubs or swim spas fitted with a cover permanently attached to it that can be locked to prevent access when it is not in use.

Application Requirements

Review the Residential Pool Checklist to determine what documents, materials and information are required for your permit submission.

Additional Forms and Information

You may need a permit from the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) if the pool near:

Rivers or streams
Wetlands
Slopes
Lakes or ponds

Visit the GRCA's website for more information.

Submit a Permit Application

When complete, submit your application through our online form.

Submit a building permit

Inspection Requirements

The following inspections are required after a permit is issued:

Location inspection prior to pouring concrete or installing the pool
Final inspection after pool is complete, required fencing is installed, and a final electrical inspection has been completed by the Electrical Safety Authority (if electrical work requiring an ESA Permit has been completed)

Swimming Pool Fences

Fences surrounding a pool must:

Be a minimum of 1.52m (5 ft) in height.
Not permit access through an unlocked entrance or by climbing, crawling, or jumping. For chain link fencing, the maximum size of the opening of the chain link shall not exceed 5 cm (2 in).
Be equipped with lockable self-closing and latching devices on all gates or doors providing access to the swimming pool. All gates and doors must be locked unless a responsible adult is present and supervising the swimming pool.
Be maintained in a safe structural manner.
Be completely constructed before the swimming pool is filled with water.