Fences

Residential and Commercial/Industrial Fences require a Development permit. Agricultural operations do not require a Development Permit for fencing.

You may build a fence along and up to your property line within your property limits. When neighbours are sharing a fence, they decide the location of the fence and they may build on the property line.

If you are building a fence on a corner lot, contact us to determine your specific requirements. As well, special consideration is needed for building a fence adjacent to intersections or for visibility along back lanes.

To determine property lines, check your home records to see if you have a Surveyor’s Building Location Certificate (a survey). If you cannot locate a survey or a copy of one, contact a Manitoba Land Surveyor to obtain one.

Fence height requirements vary by municipality and applicable Zoning By-Law.

Residential fences may be built out of any material you wish with the exception of barbed wire or electric fencing. Some examples of materials you could use are wood, brick, concrete, metal, plastic or stone. As well, hedges or plant material may be used to give the effect of a fence. The same zoning regulations apply, regardless of the material used.

Any open water deeper than zero decimal six (0.6m) metres or two (2’) feet must be enclosed by an unclimbable fence at least one decimal five (1.5m) metres or five (5’) feet high. All openings must be lockable.

See our handout for more information. Fence Information Please contact us if you have other questions about fencing requirements on your property.

Building Permits for fences must include:

• Completed Development and Building Permit Application.
• Detailed Site Plan.
• Plans for the fence. These plans shall include the height of the fence.
• Any fence built within 5' of the property line will require a survey to accompany the application.
• Letter of Authorization is required if you are applying on behalf of the landowner.
• Status of Title(s) for all land subject to the application if the land has changed owners in the last 30 days. The Status of Title(s) cannot be more than 30 days old. Additionally, a letter from your lawyer may be required if the property is in the process of being transferred to your name.
• Total Project value (i.e., final project costs including all material and labour).
• Fees in accordance with the MWPD’s Fee Structure By-Law.

If the proposed development is located adjacent to a Provincial Road or Highway, an additional permit may be required from the Province (Manitoba Infrastructure) when applying for a permit from the MWPD.

NOTE: It is the landowner's responsibility to satisfy or adhere to any Development Agreement requirements that may pertain to the property.

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