Kingston Fence Bylaw: How High Can a Fence Be & Do You Need a Permit?
Last updated: June 2026
In Kingston, Ontario, residential fences are generally limited to 1.8 metres (6 feet) in height under Fence By-law 2003-405. You may add up to 0.3 m (1 ft) of lattice on top of a 1.8 m fence for a total of 2.1 m (7 ft). Taller fences up to 2.4 m (8 ft) are permitted in specific cases — for example where a home backs onto a multi-unit, commercial, industrial, or institutional property, or abuts a freeway, expressway, or arterial road. A standard residential fence at compliant height does not need a permit, but a pool fence does require a permit from the City.
How high can a fence be in Kingston?
Up to 1.8 m (6 ft) for a standard residential fence, 2.1 m (7 ft) with lattice on top, and up to 2.4 m (8 ft) in defined situations.
| Situation | Max height | Source clause |
|---|---|---|
| Standard residential fence | 1.8 m (6 ft) | Bylaw 2003-405, s.4.5 |
| Fence + lattice topper | 2.1 m (7 ft) total | s.4.5.3 (0.3 m lattice on 1.8 m fence) |
| Adjacent to multi-unit/commercial/industrial/institutional | 2.4 m (8 ft) | s.4.5.2 |
| Abutting a freeway/expressway/arterial road | 2.4 m (8 ft) | s.4.6 |
Do you need a permit to build a fence in Kingston?
A standard residential fence built to the height limits does not require a permit. However, a pool fence requires a permit — you must submit an application to the City with the permit fee and plans showing the pool's location relative to the property.
See full details in the Ontario pool fence rules guide.
What counts as a "fence" under Kingston's bylaw?
A structure of wood, metal, or other material built to mark a boundary or enclose an area. "Constructing a fence" includes altering, rebuilding, or replacing an existing one — though normal maintenance and repair don't count. This means a full replacement triggers the bylaw's rules even if you're matching the old fence.
Kingston vs Brockville: how do the rules differ?
Kingston caps standard residential fences at 1.8 m (6 ft) while Brockville allows up to 2.0 m (6.5 ft) in side/rear yards — so the same fence can be legal in one town and over-height in the other. Always check the rules for your specific town.
See the full Brockville fence permit guide. Building on a property line? Read who pays for a shared fence. For cost estimates, see the full fence cost guide.