Fence Exemption

Property owners can request an exemption from their local Community Council if they would like to install a fence that does not comply with the standards set out in the Fence Bylaw.

There are three Municipal Licensing and Standards district offices that can answer questions and/or accept your fence exemption application by mail. To determine which office serves your area, lookup your address in the Ward Profiles and view the district office locations in the Contact Information section on this page. You can also contact 311 for assistance.

To submit a complaint about a fence, call 311, or submit a service request online or using the 311 Toronto mobile app.

Municipal Elections – Fence Exemption Applications

Due to Municipal Elections Act requirements, all Community Council meetings will be suspended from August to December 2026. As a result, there will be no hearings for fence exemption applications during this period. The next Community Council meetings to review fence exemption applications will resume in 2027.

The City will continue to accept fence exemption applications during this time. Applications will still be reviewed and inspected; however, final decisions will take place starting in early 2027 when Community Council meetings resume.

If your fence exemption application submission relates to a Notice of Violation:

  • Submitting a fence exemption application before January 2027 will pause City enforcement activities until a decision is made.
  • For swimming pool enclosures, the pool cannot be used until the required enclosure is installed or an exemption is approved by Community Council.

A property owner should apply for a fence exemption before installing a new fence. However, an application may be made at any time. If an existing fence does not meet the City’s fence requirements, the property owner may be issued a Notice of Violation by a Bylaw Enforcement Officer. At that point, the owner has the option to apply for a fence exemption or correct the issue.

All fence exemption applications must include the following:

  • A completed application form
  • Site plan and drawings
  • Photographs
  • The application fee (currently $200.00 per application)

Apply for a Fence Exemption

Keep in Mind

  • Nearby neighbours will be notified and have the opportunity to attend and speak to the application at the Community Council meeting.
  • The name and address of the property owner requesting the exemption is made public in accordance with the Fence Bylaw, 447-1.5B.
  • If a fence is not granted an exemption by City Council, the property owner will have to fix it so that it complies with the bylaw.
  • The application fee is non-refundable.
  • You may wish to obtain letters of support from your adjacent neighbours to present at the hearing

For clarification on fence requirements, contact your local Municipal Licensing and Standards district office. To determine which office serves your area, lookup your address in the Ward Profiles. Otherwise, contact 311 for assistance.

Central District
433 Eastern Avenue, Building B, 2nd Floor; Toronto, ON M4M 1B7
Email Address: MLSCentral@toronto.ca
Phone: 416-397-4150
Wards serviced: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19

*by appointment only – please email MLSCentral@toronto.ca to schedule an appointment

West District
Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall, North Block, 3rd floor; Toronto, ON M9C 2Y2
Email Address: MLSWest@toronto.ca
Phone: 416-397-4150
Wards serviced: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

East District
1530 Markham Road, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON M1B 3G2
Email Address: MLSEast@toronto.ca
Phone: 416-397-4150
Wards served: 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25
Date modified: June 8, 2026