What are the fence height restrictions in the City of Burnaby?

In the City of Burnaby, the maximum fence height is 1.2 metres (approximately 4 feet) in front yards and 1.8 metres (approximately 6 feet) in rear and side yards. These limits are set by Burnaby's Zoning Bylaw and apply to all residential zones, with some additional rules for specific situations like corner lots, retaining walls, and entrance structures.

How Burnaby measures fence height matters. The height of a fence is measured from the average grade within 900mm (approximately 3 feet) on both sides of the fence to the highest point of the fence. This measurement method is important because it means the grade on both sides of the fence is averaged — so if your yard is higher than your neighbour's, the fence height is calculated from the average of both ground levels, not just yours. This prevents homeowners on the high side of a slope from building a fence that appears reasonable from their side but towers over the neighbour's yard.

Retaining walls and fences have combined height rules. When a fence is built on top of a retaining wall along a property line, the calculation gets more specific — any portion of ground located beyond the retaining wall is not included in the calculation of average grade. This means a retaining wall with a fence on top can effectively exceed the standard height limits when viewed from the lower side. If you're planning a retaining wall and fence combination on a sloped property in Burnaby, consult with the City's planning department to confirm compliance before building.

Entrance structures have their own limits. Arbours, archways, gates, and similar structures that serve as an entrance to your property are permitted up to 2.6 metres (approximately 8.5 feet) in height and 1.8 metres (approximately 6 feet) in width. This exception allows for decorative arched garden gates and arbour-style entrance features that exceed the standard fence height — a nice touch for front yard curb appeal without requiring a variance.

Some Burnaby zones have additional restrictions. In R10 districts (a high-density residential zone), fences are prohibited in front yards entirely. Other zones may have specific restrictions based on the character of the neighbourhood. Burnaby's zoning bylaw is organized by zone, so the regulations for your specific property depend on its zoning designation. You can look up your property's zone through the City of Burnaby's online mapping system or by contacting the Planning Department at 604-294-7400.

What happens if your fence exceeds the limits? If you want a fence taller than the maximum permitted height — for example, an 8-foot privacy fence along a rear yard that backs onto a busy street — you'll need to apply to the Board of Variance for a relaxation of the zoning bylaw. The Board of Variance considers factors like the specific circumstances of your property, the impact on neighbouring properties, and whether the variance is minor. There's an application fee, and the process involves notifying affected neighbours and a public hearing. Not all variance requests are granted, so there's no guarantee.

Practical implications for fence projects in Burnaby. The 1.8-metre (6-foot) rear and side yard limit accommodates the most popular residential fence height — a 6-foot privacy fence built with standard 6-foot boards on 8-foot posts (with 2 feet buried below grade). If you want more privacy, consider planting hedges or trees along the fence line rather than trying to exceed the height limit. Lattice toppers, while attractive, count toward the total fence height — so a 6-foot solid fence with a 1-foot lattice topper would exceed the 1.8-metre limit and technically require a variance.

Before building, confirm the current regulations directly with the City of Burnaby. Municipal bylaws are updated periodically, and zone-specific regulations may apply to your property that aren't captured in general summaries. The Building Department can be reached at 604-294-7130, and the Planning Department at 604-294-7400. A quick phone call before you build is far easier than dealing with a bylaw violation after the fence is up.

Vancouver Fence Builders can match you with fence contractors who build in Burnaby regularly and understand the local bylaw requirements. Get matched for free through the Vancouver Construction Network.

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