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Fences property lines and shared costs in Burlington, Ontario
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
A normal Burlington fence does not need a building permit, but height, location, pool enclosure and neighbour cost rules still apply. Confirm the property’s zoning before buying materials.
Key information
A normal Burlington fence does not need a building permit, but height, location, pool enclosure and neighbour cost rules still apply. Confirm the property’s zoning before buying materials.
On this page
At a glance
| Task or rule | What to know |
|---|---|
| Ordinary fence | No permit; zoning and fence bylaws still apply |
| Property boundary | Survey or private surveyor; city does not determine it |
| Basic shared cost | Based on 1.22-metre chain-link standard |
| Neighbour notice where no agreement | 14 days, with required wording and quotes |
| Entry for repair work | Written notice 10 days ahead |
Sources: Fences | City of Burlington
Know the boundary and applicable zoning
Use your property survey to identify the line. Without one, hire a private surveyor. A fence on the shared boundary belongs to both adjoining owners. Ask zoning staff at 905-335-7642 about location and maximum-height rules for the specific property.
Division fences can use materials such as chain link, iron or wood. Pool enclosures have separate material and safety requirements. A privacy screen also follows the property's applicable zoning bylaw: the source now distinguishes residential bylaws 09-2026 and 10-2026 from Zoning Bylaw 2020. Do not apply an old setback table to every property.
Sources: Fences | City of Burlington
Agree on price before work
The bylaw encourages an agreement. Without one, the owner proposing work sends the prescribed notice, three written quotes for basic fence cost and a copy of the bylaw, allowing 14 days before work. The neighbour can provide three quotes within 10 days of receiving notice.
Basic cost uses a 1.22-metre chain-link fence with 2.54-to 3.81-centimetre links, regardless of the fence chosen. A neighbour is not required to pay more than half of that basic cost unless another arrangement is agreed. If a boundary fence is the only pool enclosure, the pool owner bears its construction and maintenance cost.
Sources: Fences | City of Burlington
Access, damage and unresolved matters
The city's adjoining-property entry rule permits access for division-fence repair, maintenance or alteration after a 10-day written notice describing work, entry date and duration. The person doing work must pay for resulting damage.
The city treats hedge trimming, the good side of a fence, staining and painting as civil matters between owners. The city page outlines a formal unpaid-cost recovery route after 90 days, followed by a further 30-day notice. Read the bylaw and obtain suitable advice before relying on that route.
Sources: Fences | City of Burlington
Questions and answers
Does a division fence need a permit?
The city says a fence can be built without a permit, while applicable regulations remain in force.
Source: Fences | City of Burlington
Will the city mark my boundary?
No. Use a survey or hire a private surveying firm.
Source: Fences | City of Burlington
Who owns a fence on the property line?
Both adjoining owners share ownership of the boundary fence.
Source: Fences | City of Burlington
Must my neighbour pay half of my premium wood fence?
Not automatically. The required share is capped at half the basic chain-link cost unless another arrangement is agreed.
Source: Fences | City of Burlington
How is basic cost measured?
Using a 1.22-metre-high steel chain-link fence with the specified link size.
Source: Fences | City of Burlington
Who pays when the boundary fence encloses a pool?
If it is the only pool fence, the pool owner is fully responsible for construction and maintenance.
Source: Fences | City of Burlington
Can work start immediately after a disagreement?
No. The formal notice route requires 14 days and the prescribed quotes, wording and bylaw copy.
Source: Fences | City of Burlington
Can I enter the neighbour's yard for repairs?
The source describes a 10-day written-notice route for maintenance, repair or alteration, with responsibility for damage.
Source: Fences | City of Burlington
Who decides which side looks better?
The city treats the good-side question as a civil issue for the owners to resolve.
Source: Fences | City of Burlington
Who can confirm height and setback rules?
Burlington zoning staff at 905-335-7642. The applicable bylaw depends on the property.
Source: Fences | City of Burlington
Official service and next steps
Sources: Fences | City of Burlington