Building a Fence

You will need to obtain a development permit if your property is on a corner lot. Other lots are subject to fence height limitations.

If you're planning to build a fence, there is information you’ll need to know. The City of St. Albert Land Use Bylaw regulates fences on residential properties.

A fence on residential property can be as high as 2.0 metres, provided the fence is not located in your front yard, in which case it cannot exceed 1.0 metre in height.

Permits are required for fences on corner lot properties only. You must obtain a development permit to ensure the proposed fence does not block or impede traffic site lines and complies with the Land Use Bylaw regulations.

Requirements

Bylaw Requirements

Fences in the side or rear yard may be built up to 2.0 m in height;
Fences located in the front yard may be built up to 1.0 m in height. For the purposes of determining the front yard, the front yard depth shall be the distance from the property line to the foremost portion of the on-site principal building, or the principal building on the lot adjacent to the fence, whichever is greater.
For a fence that is to be constructed on top of a retaining wall or within 1.0 m of the top of a retaining wall, the maximum height of the fence shall be determined from a point that is one-half the height of the subject retaining wall; and
No fence is permitted in the front or side yard of a corner lot if, in the opinion of the Development Officer, the fence will block or impede traffic sight lines.

Did you know?

Your fence cannot be located on City property, so it’s a good idea to find out in advance where your private property lines are located;
Property owners are strongly encouraged to have the utilities on your property formally located & flagged, prior to commencing any construction by contacting 'Click before you Dig' at https://utilitysafety.ca; and
Fencing between property owners does not require City involvement, as it pertains to costs, materials, or design.

Application Checklist

To receive a timely decision on your application, please ensure that your application is clear, legible and accurate. If any part of your application is missing, unreadable or inaccurate, your application will be deemed incomplete, and a decision will not be rendered.

Your application must include

Download and complete the:
Application for Development Permit
Payment of required application fee, as per Master Rates Bylaw
Two (2) copies of a site plan in metric (minimum scale 1:100) showing:
1. Easements;
2. Utility rights-of-way;
3. Location of the dwelling & garage with all property lines shown;
4. Proposed location of the fence with heights included;
5. Material of the fencing (wood, chain link, vinyl etc.); and
6. Location and height of any existing and proposed retaining walls and/or fences.

The development authority may require additional material necessary to properly evaluate the proposed development. In most cases, an application is deemed complete if the material outlined is provided.

Filing an Appeal

If your development permit application has been approved with a variance, the City must notify affected parties within a specified radius of the approval. Property owners affected by the decision have the right to appeal within 21 days of the receipt of the decision. A decision may also be appealed by the applicant if the Development Officer fails to issue a permit within 40 days, refuses the permit, or the applicant does not agree with the decision of the Development Officer.

Note: The information contained herein only applies to provisions as set out in the City of St. Albert Land Use Bylaw. Compliance with the Alberta Building Code is subject to a separate review process. It is the responsibility of the applicant to comply with any other regulation, code, or legislation not covered under the Land Use Bylaw.
Additional fees apply to file an appeal, encroachment agreements and building permit applications. The applicant does not have a right of appeal if the Development Officer fails to issue a Development Permit within 40 days if the applicant or owner has signed an extension agreement in accordance with section 684 of the Municipal Government Act.