Fences and hedges

A permit is required to install or replace a fence and/or hedges. 

Location 

Fences must be located on private property only. They cannot be erected on municipal land, including the area between the sidewalk and your property line. 

Hedges must be a minimum distance of 1m (3’3”) from the city sidewalk or curb. Fences and hedges must be at least 0.91m (3’) from all fire hydrants. 

If a homeowner would like to install a fence on public property (within the street right-of-way), an Encroachment Request may be submitted. The Fee Schedule outlines information regarding applicable fees. 

Height 

The maximum permitted height of a residential fence is 1.82m (6’) (except for fences around swimming pools) and 0.91m (3’) if placed within 4.57m (15’) of the front property line. 

A maximum of fence height of 3.04m (10’) is only permitted for properties in the following case: 

• Between any zone and a railway property 

• Between a residential and an industrial zone 

• Between a residential and commercial & services zone 

• Between a residential and an institutional zone 

• Between any industrial, commercial, or institutional zone 

To identify the location of your property, please refer to the Zoning Plan.  

On corner lots, the maximum permitted height of a residential fence is 0.6m for a distance of 9.14m (30’) from the corner in both directions along the sidewalk or curb. See illustration below.

Fences around swimming pools 

Côte Saint-Luc requires properties with swimming pools to be fenced in. Please see the provincial legislation on private swimming pool safety, Swimming Pool By-Law #2618 (PDF) and Article 8-4 of the Zoning By-law #2217 (PDF) for more information. 

How to apply for a permit 

1. Check the applicable regulations 

1. Fences are regulated in Chapter 8 of the Zoning By-law #2217 (PDF).  
2. All building modifications are regulated in the Construction By-law #2593 (PDF).  
3. Costs of permits and fees, including the damage deposit for public property, are listed in the Fee Schedule.

NOTE: This is not an exhaustive list and other regulations may apply. If you have any questions pertaining to these regulations, please book an appointment to meet with a member of the Urban Planning Department. 

2. Required documents (all items in this list are mandatory) 

1. A valid Certificate of Location, prepared by a land surveyor. Please consult the Ordre des Arpenteurs-Geomètres du Québec website for an example (PDF). 
2. A site plan drawn to scale indicating the position and dimensions of the proposed fence or hedge. 
3. An itemized contractor’s cost estimate, listing the associated costs of all materials and labour for the project. 
4. If the proposed fence is located directly along the property line between neighbouring properties, written consent from the neighbouring property owner must be provided. 
5. If you are not the property owner as listed on Montreal’s property assessment roll, you must complete the following procuration form (PDF).  

NOTE: Additional documents may be requested by the permit agent. 

3. Submit a permit application 

1. After preparing the necessary documents, the permit application can be easily completed and submitted online.  
2. You will be provided a reference number following the submission of your application. 

4. Analysis of the permit application 

1. The Urban Planning Department will begin the analysis of your permit application as soon as all required information is submitted. 
2. If additional information is required, a staff member will contact you. 
3. If you have not received timely communication or updates regarding your permit application, we kindly ask you to send us an email at [email protected]. 
4. No work can begin until you receive a valid construction permit. 

5. Issuance and payment of the permit 

1. When the analysis of your permit application request is complete, you will receive an email with steps to pay for the permit. A permit will only be issued once the payment has been successfully received and processed. 
2. Once issued, the construction permit must be visible from the street in front of the property. 

6. Completion of work 

1. Throughout the construction process, the City inspector will visit the site to ensure for compliance with the work listed in the permit description and the applicable municipal by-laws. 
2. After the work is completed, please contact the designated inspector listed in the permit description. 

Have questions? Need assistance to apply for a permit? We are here to help!

Book an appointment to meet with the Urban Planning Department