Pool Fence Permits

You need a fence around any swimming pool on your property. In order to put up a pool enclosure fence, you need to apply for a pool fence permit. Pool fences are regulated by the Fence By-law.

These requirements are outlined in the Township by-law and help keep pools safe for everyone.

Apply for a pool fence permit

Please complete the application below and submit it by email to the Permit Coordinator. 

Pool Fence Application And Approval Form

Please include the following information with your application:

  • property owner's name and address
  • contact information
  • site plan (view a sample site plan)
  • pool width, length and depth
  • pool type (in ground, above ground, inflatable)
  • fence height and type
  • whether or not there are overhead wires

All completed permit applications should be submitted by email to the Permit Coordinator. 

Fees

The cost to apply for a pool fence permit is $173.

Fees are indexed on January 1 of each year.

Fence and gate guidelines

If a pool is 1.2 metres (4 feet) deep or deeper, the fence around it must be at least 1.2 metres (4 feet) high, measured from the ground.

These requirements apply to all outdoor swimming pools, as long as the pool contains water, regardless of depth.

Construction and materials

Pool fences must meet the following by-law standards:

  • the fence must be at least 1.2 metres (4 feet) high, measured from the ground=
  • acceptable fence materials include:
    • wire fencing (minimum 12-gauge, galvanized or plastic-coated) with openings no larger than 38 mm (1.5 inches)
    • steel panels or wood fencing with openings no larger than 100 mm (4 inches)
    • masonry fencing (brick or concrete block) with no openings, except at gates
    • other materials that provide equivalent safety, if approved by the Township Official

Gates, access points, and building walls

Gates and access points (including ladders or stairs) must be self-locking and kept closed and locked when the pool is not under competent supervision.

A building wall may form part of the pool enclosure if it is at least 1.2 metres high, and any doors in that wall are securely locked when the pool is not supervised.

Gate requirements

Gates must:  

  • be made of the same material and height as the fence
  • have locks and self-latching/self-closing devices located at the top and inside of the gate
  • be kept closed and locked when the pool is not under competent supervision

Safety requirements

Pool fences must not:

  • include barbed wire or any form of electric current
  • have projections or features that make climbing easier

Fence placement requirements:

  • fences must be located at least 1.25 metres away from any building, tree, or object that could be used to climb over the fence.
  • fences must be set back at least 1.2 metres from the pool

Exemptions

A fence is not required to restrict access from a lake, pond, or river for waterfront properties. ​

Pools with attached platforms may be exempt if all of the following conditions are met:

  • the pool wall is at least 1.25 metres high
  • the platform is at least 1.25 metres above ground and includes a deck that is at least 1.2 metres wide around the pool.
  • the platform is enclosed by a continuous balustrade that is at least 0.9 metres high.
  • access to the pool is controlled by a gate that meets by-law requirements

Contact us

1024 Hurlwood Lane
Severn, Ontario

Phone: 705-325-2315
Fax: 705-327-5818
Contact us

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