Fence and retaining wall rules

The short answer

Fence rules are often zoning/bylaw matters rather than building permits, while retaining walls can cross a height/engineering threshold that triggers a building permit. Corner lots, pools and sightlines can add separate rules.

Measure from the grade point the municipality uses. Retaining-wall height can be calculated differently than homeowners expect.

What to check first

• Fence or retaining wall height
• Property lines and corner sightlines
• Grade change and drainage
• Pool enclosure or engineering rules

How the rule changes by city

• Airdrie, AB: Airdrie says most retaining walls that exceed 1.2 m (4 ft) require a permit. Heights over 1.2 m meet Airdrie’s published trigger. Lower walls can still depend on site conditions, and the exact boundary should be confirmed with the city. Official source ↗
• Abbotsford, BC: Abbotsford requires a building permit for a retaining wall 1.2 m high or greater, measured from the lowest adjacent grade; stepped-wall conditions can also trigger the rule. Official source ↗
• Saint John, NB: Saint John states that a retaining wall greater than 1 m requires a permit and engineered drawings; work under 1 m is treated as landscaping. At exactly 1.0 m, confirm the requirement with the city before relying on the exemption. Official source ↗

If a permit is required