Note: At the May 22, 2018 Council meeting, City Council exercised its power under the City of Toronto Act, section 109 to opt out of the Line Fences Act. As a result, Municipal Licensing & Standards will no longer accept applications for line fence viewing. Disputes regarding boundary fences are to be addressed between the affected neighbours. Where neighbours are unable to agree, they may seek a solution through the civil court system or contact TNG Community Services directly, which provides a free and confidential mediation program to residents of Toronto.
A line fence, also known as a division fence, is a fence that marks the boundary between an owner's property and an adjoining property. Under the Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 447 -1, a fence is a barrier that wholly or partially screens from view, encloses or divides a yard or other land, or marks or substantially marks the boundary between adjoining lands and includes any hedge or shrub. A row of trees planted on the boundary line may be considered a fence.
Additional details on the amendments to City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 447, Fences, can be found on the City of Toronto website.