I’m planning a summer fence building project all the way around my property. I live on a corner lot in the City and wonder what are the rules and permits required?

The rules about building fences vary from city to city. However, there are several things you should consider before digging your first posthole. First, go to the municipal office and have a qualified staff member explain the rules. Usually there are maximum fence heights permitted and those heights change from the front to side and rear yards. On a corner lot your fence cannot interfere with “the sight triangle” required for drivers to see oncoming traffic. Be sure you know where your property boundaries are located. Most often the boulevard you’ve been mowing and thought was part of your property belongs to the municipality. Don’t use an old fence line even if you and your neighbour agree that it’s okay. Your neighbour can sell and move away and your new neighbours may ask you to remove the fence if it is on their property.

 Occasionally you can find your original iron property pins in front of the triangle white survey posts. If you have a plot plan showing your house in relation to your property lines you can measure the exact distances. It’s a good idea to keep your fence just inside this line to avoid any future dispute with a neighbour about ownership. Sometimes neighbours have plot plans that define the common property lines between you. Otherwise you may need to hire a land surveyor before you begin your project. Consider discussing your project with your  neighbours as a courtesy. Sometimes the folks next door will want to share the costs of construction or have a request concerning the affect your fence will have on their garden or view.  It will  be worth the effort to keep your project “neighbourly”.

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This article was written by Steven Cannon, a Registered Building Official and partner in Lynch Building Inspection Services Ltd. of Nelson, British Columbia. It originally appeared in The Nelson Express.

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