Fence rules in Markham.
A backyard fence in Markham can be up to 1.8 m (5 ft 10 in). A pool needs an enclosure at least 1.2 m high, approved by the city before the water goes in.
How tall a fence can be in Markham.
The rules below come from Fence By-law 277-97, as amended (consolidated to May 29, 2012), and cover Unionville, Cornell, Markham Village, Berczy, Cathedraltown and Thornhill east of Yonge.
| Where the fence is | Height limit |
|---|---|
| Back yard | 1.8 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Side yard between houses | 1.8 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Front yard | 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) |
| Corner lot, the side along the street | 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) |
| Corner lot, back yard | 1.8 m, of which no more than 1.52 m (5 ft) solid; open lattice above that |
| Next to a commercial, industrial or institutional lot | 3.04 m (9 ft 11 in) |
How it’s measured. From the finished ground at the base of the fence to its highest point. On a retaining wall, from the top of the wall. On a slope, the fence has to follow the ground reasonably closely.
Posts and caps. Decorative caps on structural posts may stand 15 cm over the limit. The posts themselves count.
Corners and driveways.
No fence may block a driver’s view pulling out of a driveway or onto a road. The by-law sets no fixed triangle, so on a corner lot ask By-law before you build.
Pool enclosures in Markham.
Submit plans and get a pool enclosure permit before the pool goes in. It can’t be filled until the enclosure is inspected and approved.
- 1.2 m to 1.8 m high, at least 1.2 m from the water, and no more than 100 mm of gap at the bottom.
- Wood: boards at least 19 × 89 mm and no more than 100 mm apart where the rails are 0.9 m or more apart (38 mm where they are closer); rails at least 38 × 89 mm; posts at least 89 × 89 mm, no more than 2.4 m apart and 1.2 m into the ground.
- Gates close by themselves, with a lockable self-latching device on the inside near the top. Keep them padlocked unless someone is supervising.
What needs a permit, and how to ask for more.
Permits. No permit for an ordinary fence. A pool enclosure needs a permit, applied for through the City’s ePLAN portal.
Exemptions. Apply in writing to the Manager, By-law Enforcement and Licensing, with a survey, a site plan and the fence details; your neighbours’ written consent helps. A refusal can be appealed to Council within 10 days.
- Neighbours on a shared line split the “basic cost” of a 4 ft chain link fence 50/50 unless they agree otherwise. Give 14 days’ notice by registered mail before the work starts.
Check with the city before you build.
By-law Enforcement and Licensing, City of Markham: 905-479-7782, [email protected].
This page covers heights, corners and driveways, pools and permits; the full by-law, linked below, covers everything else. We read each figure here from the city’s own documents and last checked them on September 26, 2026. By-laws change, and zoning, a subdivision agreement or a heritage designation can set a lower limit on your street. The city’s by-law office has the final word, so check with them before you build.