Do I need a permit to replace an existing fence in the same location in Vancouver?

In most cases, no — replacing an existing fence in the same location with a new fence of the same or lesser height does not require a building permit in the City of Vancouver. This is considered routine maintenance or replacement, not new construction, and falls within the scope of work exempt from permitting under Vancouver's Building Bylaw, provided the new fence complies with current zoning regulations.

However, there are several important conditions that must be met for the permit exemption to apply. The replacement fence must not exceed the maximum allowable height for its location — 1.8 metres (approximately 6 feet) in rear and side yards, and 1.2 metres (approximately 4 feet) in front yards. If your old fence was built decades ago when different height rules applied, or if it was built overheight without approval, you cannot simply replace it at the same non-compliant height. The replacement must conform to current bylaws, not the bylaws that existed when the original fence was built.

The replacement fence must also be in substantially the same location as the original. If you're shifting the fence line — even by a foot or two — you're effectively building a new fence in a new location, which may raise property line and setback questions. If you're replacing a fence and want to move it, get a property line survey first to ensure the new location is entirely on your property. A BC Land Surveyor can establish the boundary for $500 to $2,000 depending on the complexity of your lot.

A building permit IS required for replacement fences in several situations. If the new fence will be taller than the allowable maximum (even if the old one was that height), you'll need a Development Variance Permit. If the replacement involves a retaining wall and fence combination where the total height exceeds limits, a building permit may be required. If you're adding an automatic gate with hardwired electrical components, you'll need an electrical permit and inspection by Technical Safety BC. And if the fence is part of a pool enclosure, it must meet BC Building Code requirements for pool barriers — self-closing and self-latching gates, minimum height, climb-resistance — and an inspection may be required to confirm compliance.

Strata properties in Vancouver require strata council approval before any fence replacement, even if no city permit is needed. Many strata developments have specific requirements for fence materials, colours, and styles to maintain neighbourhood uniformity. Replacing a cedar fence with a vinyl fence, or changing from natural wood to painted wood, may violate strata bylaws even though the city doesn't care. Get written approval from your strata council before ordering materials or hiring a contractor.

Practically speaking, even though a permit isn't required for most straightforward replacements, there are still steps you should take before starting work. Call BC One Call (1-800-474-6886) for a free utility locate — underground gas, electrical, water, and telecommunications lines must be identified before any post hole digging, even if you're putting posts in the same spots as the old ones. Old post holes may have shifted, or new utilities may have been installed since the original fence was built. Talk to your neighbour before removing a shared boundary fence — under the BC Property Law Act, Part 5, both property owners share responsibility for fences on the common boundary, and removing a fence without notice can create disputes. If your neighbour has attached anything to their side of the fence (plants, trellises, lights), give them time to remove those items before demolition.

Cost-wise, replacing an existing fence is often slightly less expensive than a brand-new installation because the post hole locations are already established. If the old concrete footings are in good condition and properly positioned, a contractor may be able to set new posts into the existing holes with fresh concrete rather than digging entirely new ones — saving $30 to $80 per post in digging and concrete costs. However, if the old posts rotted because they lacked gravel drainage beds (extremely common in older Metro Vancouver fences), insist that the contractor properly excavate the old footings and install gravel drainage below the new posts to prevent the same problem.

Need help finding a fence contractor for your replacement project? Vancouver Fence Builders can connect you with experienced professionals across Metro Vancouver for free estimates.

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