The Great Fence Debate: How High Can Your Dreams (and Fences) Go in London, Ontario?
Ah, fences. The picket-y (or slatted, or brick) guardians of our backyards, keeping our furry escape artists contained (or at least mildly inconvenienced) and our privacy...well, somewhat private. But have you ever gazed longingly at your neighbour's gloriously gossip-blocking eight-foot cedar masterpiece and thought, "Man, I need some of that fence action in my life!" Hold on to your hammers, fence enthusiasts, because London, Ontario has some rules about how high your fence aspirations can soar.
So, How High Can That Fence Fly?
Now, before you start digging a moat and prepping for a fence-building arms race with your neighbours, there are some key things to consider. The good folks at the City of London have a fence by-law (PS-6) that dictates the maximum fence height for most residential properties: a cool 7 feet (or 2.13 metres). That's right, seven feet is the magic number that separates suburban oasis from potential prison yard vibes (unless that's your aesthetic, no judgement here).
There is, however, a fence exception for our friends with a slightly more industrial backyard need. Salvage yards are allowed to construct fences up to a whopping 10 feet (3 metres), but with some stipulations: they gotta be set back a healthy distance from the street and not block any important visibility triangles (you know, for those epic salvage yard chases).
Important Note: These are the general guidelines, and there might be some variations depending on your specific neighbourhood. So, it's always best to check with the City of London before you get hammering away to avoid any future fence-related faux pas.
But Wait, There's More! (Because By-Laws Love Fun Facts)
The plot thickens (or thins, depending on your fence material)! There are a few other things to keep in mind:
- Material Matters: Say goodbye to your dreams of a corrugated metal monstrosity. The by-law forbids them on residential properties. Brick, wood, vinyl, those are all welcome to the fence party.
- Keeping it Grounded: The bottom of your fence can't be more than four inches off the ground - gotta stop those sneaky bunnies from plotting their escape.
- Neighbourly Nibbles: Thinking of building a fence right on the property line? This might be a good time to break out the barbeque and have a friendly chat with your neighbour first. By-laws aside, good fences make good neighbours (and delicious shared burgers).
Fence FAQ: Frequently Asked Fence-Building Fun
1. How to Check Local Fence By-Laws?
Easy! Head over to the City of London's website and search for "Fence By-Law PS-6".
2. How to Deal with a Fence Higher Than Allowed?
If your existing fence is a little too ambitious, contact the City** to discuss your options. There might be a chance to grandfather it in, or you might need to make some adjustments.
3. How to Build a Fence Like a Boss?
While I can't give specific construction advice, there are plenty of resources online and at your local hardware store to guide you on your fence-building journey. Safety first, friends!
4. How to Keep My New Fence Looking Spiffy?
Depending on the material, regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your fence looking sharp. A little TLC goes a long way!
5. How to Make Fence Building Fun?
Blast some tunes, grab some cold drinks, and turn fence building into a backyard bonding experience with friends or family (just be sure to delegate hammer duty responsibly).
So there you have it, folks! The lowdown on London's fence regulations, sprinkled with a healthy dose of fence-related fun. Now go forth and build your dream fence (within by-law limitations, of course)!
