The bylaw regulating fences in the Town of Lakeshore(Belle River, Woodslee, Emeryville, Russel Woods, Stoney Point, ..) can be confusing. Here are some of the top questions we encounter summarized into an into an faq
Updated Feb 2023
You can find it here http://weblink8.lakeshore.ca/WebLink/DocView.aspx?dbid=1&id=55277&page=1&cr=1, Unfortunatly this version is not easily searchable - so we self host a version of Lakeshore Fence Bylaw 39.2018
A fence is defined as any continuous barrier made of chain, wood, stone, masonry, lattice work screen or other such material, or a hedge or other such thick growth of shrubs or trees, constructed, installed or grown along the perimeter of lands, whether the lands are occupied or not, so as to give the inference that the barrier is intended to delimit the boundaries of the said lands. Any berm or other such man-made structure upon which a fence is built shall be deemed to be a part of the fence.
Unfortunatly, unlike the City of Windsor, the Town of Lakeshore has a requirement that anyone constructing a fence must obtain a permit from the building department. According to the by law, either the homeowner or installer can be the person to pull the permit. The application fee for this is $60 as of 2023.
A permit is required for all fences, with the exception of fences less than 4 feet (1.2 meters) in height that are located entirely within the rear yard of a residential property or fences for public utilities(ELK, Hydro One) and schools(GECDSB).
A swimming pool is defined as any manmade structure that may be used to contain water of a depth greater than 12 inches (30 cm) for the purpose of swimming, wading or bathing purposes, but shall not include a man-made pond; irrigation lagoon that is used for agricultural purposes; a temporary excavation below the water table; or a portable wading pool that is not capable of containing water of a depth greater than 24 inches (60 cm) and that is normally emptied on a frequent basis.
Special requirements for swimming pool fences in the Town of Lakeshore exist, with the most important items being the use of self-closing hinges on gates, minimum height of 4ft, and opening sizes cannot allow a 4 in ball to pass through. We recommend hiring a competant installer for the project, however if you plan on DIY - then it is our recommendation that you consider D & D Technologies Truclose hinges to fufill the self-closing requirement.
The height of fences in front yards and side yards must not exceed 4 feet (1.2 meters), unless the fence is a hedge, in which case it must not exceed 6 feet 6 inches (2 meters). The height of fences in rear yards must not exceed 6 feet 6 inches (2 meters).
Yes, if a fence is situated atop of a retaining wall - the height is typically measure from the top of the wall instead of the lowest grade.
Yes, fences must be maintained in a good state of repair and in a neat and tidy condition. Fences must not be erected or maintained in a manner that is unsightly or detracts from the appearance of the surrounding area.
That is up for debate, however we recommend that your be painted in a neutral color that blends in with the surrounding area. If you're tired of painting your fence, consider replacing it with a most durable material like vinyl or aluminum
No, barbed wire and electrified fences are not permitted in residential settings, consult the bylaw for the exmpted areas where this is allowed.
Yes, spear point fences are allowed.
Yes, fences made of chain link material are permitted, provided they meet the height requirements and are not unsightly or detract from the appearance of the surrounding area.
Yes, fences made of wood are permitted, provided they meet the height requirements and are maintained in a good state of repair and in a neat and tidy condition. That said, we recommend that you forget about wood and choose to install a maintenance free vinyl fence
Yes, fences made of stone or masonry are permitted, provided they meet the height requirements and are maintained in a good state of repair and in a neat and tidy condition.
Yes, fences made of lattice work or screen material are permitted, provided they meet the height requirements and are maintained in a good state of repair and in a neat and tidy condition.
Yes, fences made of a hedge or thick growth of shrubs or trees are permitted, provided they meet the height requirements and are maintained in a good state of repair and in a neat and tidy condition.
Yes, all gates attached to fences must be kept in good repair and must be equipped with self-closing and self-latching mechanisms. Gates must be kept locked when not in use.
Fences may be erected on corner lots, provided they meet the height requirements and do not obstruct visibility for drivers approaching the intersection.
The owner of the property on which the fence is located is responsible for maintaining the fence in a good state of repair and in a neat and tidy condition.
To obtain a permit for a fence, you must submit a completed application form and any required supporting documents to the Town. The application will be reviewed by the Chief Building Official and a decision will be made on whether to approve or deny the permit. Cost to apply for this permit is $60 as of 2022
Violating this bylaw may result in a fine of up to $5,000. The Town may also order the removal of any fence that does not comply with this bylaw