Can I install a taller fence for noise reduction along a busy road in Burnaby?

You can install a fence up to 1.83 metres (6 feet) in your rear or side yard in Burnaby without a permit, but if you want to exceed that height specifically for noise reduction along a busy road, you will need to apply for a variance or development permit from the City of Burnaby. Taller noise-reduction fences are sometimes approved on a case-by-case basis, particularly for properties backing onto major arterial roads like Kingsway, Canada Way, Hastings Street, or the Trans-Canada Highway corridor.

The reality of fence-based noise reduction is that standard 6-foot fences provide only modest sound attenuation. A solid wood or vinyl fence at 6 feet can reduce perceived noise by roughly 5-10 decibels for areas immediately behind the fence at ground level. For meaningful noise reduction, an acoustic barrier needs to be taller than the line of sight between the noise source and the receiver — meaning the fence must block the direct path between traffic and your outdoor living areas. For most residential properties where the road is at or near the same grade, an 8-foot fence provides noticeably better noise reduction than a 6-foot fence, and some acoustic engineering guidelines recommend 10-12 feet for significant reduction along highways.

If you want to pursue a taller fence in Burnaby, the process involves contacting the City's Planning Department to discuss your options. Depending on the zone and location, you may need a minor development permit or a Board of Variance application. Your application will be stronger if you can demonstrate that traffic noise exceeds acceptable residential levels (the City of Burnaby uses 55-65 dB daytime thresholds in residential areas), that the proposed fence height is the minimum necessary for meaningful reduction, and that the design minimizes visual impact on neighbouring properties. Having a noise assessment from an acoustical consultant can strengthen your case, though this adds $1,000-$3,000 to your project cost.

For maximum noise reduction within standard height limits, the fence design matters as much as the height. The fence must be completely solid with no gaps — even small openings between boards, under the fence, or at gate openings dramatically reduce acoustic performance. Board-on-board (shadowbox) fences look like they provide full coverage but the overlapping gaps allow significant sound transmission. A solid tongue-and-groove cedar fence, solid vinyl privacy fence, or a fence with mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) barrier sandwiched between the boards provides the best acoustic performance at 6 feet.

Additional noise reduction strategies that complement fencing include building a berm (raised earth mound) along the road edge and placing the fence on top, which effectively adds 2-3 feet of height without exceeding fence height limits. Some Burnaby properties along busy corridors already have developer-installed berms. Dense evergreen hedging on the road side of the fence adds marginal sound absorption and significant psychological noise masking. Interior courtyard-style landscaping with water features can mask remaining traffic noise effectively.

Cost for a noise-reduction fence along a busy road in Burnaby typically runs $60-$120 per linear foot installed for a solid 6-foot cedar or vinyl fence with acoustic considerations (no gaps, heavy-gauge materials, sealed base). If you secure approval for an 8-foot fence, expect $80-$150 per linear foot due to the deeper post holes (3 feet minimum), heavier 6x6 posts required for wind load, and additional materials. Adding mass-loaded vinyl acoustic barrier ($2-$4 per square foot) between double-sided fence boards can add $15-$30 per linear foot but provides measurably better sound attenuation.

Need help finding a fence contractor experienced with noise-reduction fencing in Burnaby? Vancouver Fence Builders can match you with professionals who understand acoustic fence design and the variance application process.

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