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's information you need to know. The City of St. Albert Land Use Bylaw regulates the height of 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 m in height. Your fence cannot be located on City property, so it's a good idea to find out in advance where your property lines are located. Also, be sure to have the utilities on your property marked.

If you do not live on a corner lot and meet the above requirements, then you do not have to obtain a development permit to build your fence. However, if your property is on a corner lot, you need to obtain a development permit to ensure the fence does not block or impede traffic site lines. If it is blocking or impeding visibility, you will be required to move the fence to accommodate proper visibility.

Requirements

Bylaw Requirements

Fences in the side or rear yard may be built up to 2.0m in height;
Fences located in the front yard may be built up to 1.0m 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 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 property lines are located;
Fences built in the first year after construction, and prior to neighbouring lot development, are prone to issues of ground settling, excavation, and direct damage from construction activity;
Property owners are strongly encouraged to have the utilities on your property marked by calling Alberta One Call (1-800-242-3447) prior to commencing any construction;
Fencing between property owners does not require City involvement in regard to costs 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 Schedule "E"
Two (2) copies of site plans in metric (minimum scale 1:100) showing:
- Proposed location of the fence with heights included;
- Address and legal description;
- Easements;
- Utility rights-of-way including poles, transformer boxes, lamp standards and hydrants.
- Location of dwelling with the proposed fence outlined;
- Outline of any accessory buildings over 10 sq. metres in size (detached garages or garden sheds) complete with dimensions;
- Location and height of existing and proposed retaining walls and/or fence. (Fence height means the vertical distance measured at right angles from the highest point of a fence or attached lattice material to the finished grade directly below.)

The development authority may require additional material necessary to properly evaluate the proposed development (stated in Section 3.3 of the City of St. Albert Land Use Bylaw 9/2005). 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.