Modify and Install a Fence

Throughout the City of Pointe-Claire, a permit or a certificate is required for the installation, replacement or modification of a fence. It’s important to obtain a permit or a certificate before starting your work.

When Do You Need a Permit or a Certificate?

A certificate is required in all of the following cases:

• Installation of a new fence;
• Replacement of an existing fence;
• Fence modification (change of style, materials or height).

Location

A fence must be installed: 

• A minimum of 3 metres (9.8 feet) from the sidewalk or street;
• On or within the property line.

If your property is located at the corner of two streets, a 6-metre (19.7-foot) sight triangle must be kept clear at the intersection. Any fence in this zone must be no higher than 91 cm (3 feet), measured from the centre of the street.

Pool and Spa

To protect your loved ones and comply with provincial regulations, all pools and spas must be enclosed by a fence at least 1 m from other installations.

Want to learn more about these rules or apply for a permit and a certificate for your pool or spa? Visit our Pool or Spa page.

Find out more about pools and spas

Required Height

Fences must comply with the following maximum height criteria:

• In a front yard: 1 metre (3.3 feet);
• In a secondary front yard: 1.82 metres (6 feet);
• In a backyard: 2.45 metres (8 feet).

If the fence is installed on the boundary between two properties of different levels, the height is measured from the higher ground.

Exception

If you are installing a fence on your deck:

• The total height (deck and vertical structure) must not exceed 3.33 metres (10.9 feet) if the structure respects the minimum setbacks around the house.
• If part of the structure encroaches on these setbacks, the maximum height is 2.43 metres (8 feet).
• If you are installing a fence for your pool or spa, it is important to respect a minimum height for: The primary fence: 1.52 metres (5 feet);
• The secondary fence: 1.20 metres (3.94 feet).

Special standards apply for: 

• Commercial, industrial, public and recreational zones.

Consult the Zoning By-Law or contact the Planning Department to find out about the criteria to be followed.

Materials

For your fence, only the following materials are permitted: 

• Low masonry walls
• Wood
• Metal
• PVC
• Aluminum

Dividing Line Between Two Properties

The City of Pointe-Claire has no responsibility in this matter. We recommend that you contact your neighbour directly to resolve any issues.

Explore the Good Neighbourliness web page to learn how to maintain cordial relationship with your neighbours, while also respecting the by-laws. 

Visit the Québec government website for more information. 

Associated Fees

You must pay $52 (non-refundable, payable at time of application).

Submitting an Application

Here are the documents you need to submit your complete application:

Processing Your Application

• If your application is complete and compliant, the City will issue a decision within 30 days.
• The decision may take longer if the project is subject to the SPAIP By-Law.
• Once your application is approved, the Planning Department will contact you to collect the certificate.

Period of Validity 

Make sure you have a permit or a certificate before starting work. If the work does not begin within 6 months of approval, the permit and the certificate is no longer valid, and a new application must be submitted to the City.

How to Submit an Application