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Pemberton fence rules: permits and height limits

Do I need a fence permit in Pemberton, and how high can my fence be?

Pemberton, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-09

Short answer

Pemberton’s guide lists front fences under 1.2 metres and rear fences under 1.8 metres among projects exempt from a building permit. Ask the Village about side yards, corner lots or a fence at the threshold.

Key facts

PermitPemberton’s guide lists front fences under 1.2 metres and rear fences under 1.8 metres among projects exempt from a building permit.Pemberton Good Neighbour Guide, PDF p. 1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
installing fences less than 1.2 metres in height at the front or 1.8 meters in height at the rear;
Height, front yardIn a residential front yard, the usual maximum is 1.2 m. A fence may reach 2 m if the portion above 1.2 m uses transparent mesh.Zoning Bylaw No. 832, 2018, Zoning Bylaw, section 7.15(a)–(b) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
7.15 Fences (Amendment Bylaw No. 862, 2019/Adopted May 7, 2019) (a) Except as otherwise specifically stated in this Bylaw; i. The height of a fence or wall shall be measured to the highest point from, and perpendicular to, a line representing the average natural grade level at its base, including where a fence or wall is constructed above a retaining wall; ii. The maximum height of a fence shall not exceed 1.2 m in a front yard and not more than 1.8 m on all other parts of a lot in a residential zone. (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) above; i. the fence height may be increased to 2.0 m in a front yard provided Village of Pemberton Zoning Bylaw 832, 2018 63 transparent mesh is used for the portion of fence that is more than 1.2 m in height;
Height, side and rear yardsIn a residential zone the usual limit outside the front yard is 1.8 m. Other zones have a 2.5 m limit, subject to the bylaw’s exceptions.Zoning Bylaw No. 832, 2018, Zoning Bylaw, section 7.15(a)–(b) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
7.15 Fences (Amendment Bylaw No. 862, 2019/Adopted May 7, 2019) (a) Except as otherwise specifically stated in this Bylaw; i. The height of a fence or wall shall be measured to the highest point from, and perpendicular to, a line representing the average natural grade level at its base, including where a fence or wall is constructed above a retaining wall; ii. The maximum height of a fence shall not exceed 1.2 m in a front yard and not more than 1.8 m on all other parts of a lot in a residential zone. (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) above; i. the fence height may be increased to 2.0 m in a front yard provided Village of Pemberton Zoning Bylaw 832, 2018 63 transparent mesh is used for the portion of fence that is more than 1.2 m in height; ii. the maximum height of a fence shall not exceed 2.5 m in any other zone;
Corner lots and sightlinesNot confirmed. Checked Pemberton Good Neighbour Guide, Zoning Bylaw No. 832, 2018; not found there.
Other rulesMeasure to the highest point from the average natural grade at the base, including above a retaining wall. Specified recreational fences using see-through materials have a height exception.Zoning Bylaw No. 832, 2018, Zoning Bylaw, section 7.15 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
i. The height of a fence or wall shall be measured to the highest point from, and perpendicular to, a line representing the average natural grade level at its base, including where a fence or wall is constructed above a retaining wall;
iii. Fences used in association with recreational uses, such as playing fields, golf courses, driving ranges and tennis courts shall not be limited in height, provided such fences are constructed of materials that permit visibility, such as transparent mesh; and iv. Fences may be constructed on any portion of a lot, including within a required setback area, except closed fences and landscape screens shall be less than 2.0 m in height when sited in a required setback area from a lot line adjoining any residential use.
BylawVillage of Pemberton Zoning Bylaw No. 832, 2018, section 7.15.Zoning Bylaw No. 832, 2018, Zoning Bylaw, section 7.15 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
ZONING BYLAW VILLAGE OF PEMBERTON BYLAW NO. 832, 2018 CONSOLIDATED VERSION Final Readings July 24, 2018 LAST OFFICE CONSOLIDATION: December 18, 2025
7.15 Fences (Amendment Bylaw No. 862, 2019/Adopted May 7, 2019) (a) Except as otherwise specifically stated in this Bylaw; i. The height of a fence or wall shall be measured to the highest point from, and perpendicular to, a line representing the average natural grade level at its base, including where a fence or wall is constructed above a retaining wall; ii. The maximum height of a fence shall not exceed 1.2 m in a front yard and not more than 1.8 m on all other parts of a lot in a residential zone.

How it works

Sketch the lot before choosing a fence height. Show the street, the front of the building, each length of proposed fence and any intersection or driveway near it. The same fence can cross more than one regulated area. In a residential front yard, the usual maximum is 1.2 m. A fence may reach 2 m if the portion above 1.2 m uses transparent mesh.

Steps

  1. Check the fence provisions in Pemberton Good Neighbour Guide (PDF). Find the rule for each segment and the point from which height is measured. Mark where a segment changes from one yard or regulated area to another.
  2. For a corner lot, also check visibility requirements. If the site slopes or the fence sits on a retaining wall, describe that to the planning office before ordering panels.

Good to know

  • In a residential zone the usual limit outside the front yard is 1.8 m. Other zones have a 2.5 m limit, subject to the bylaw’s exceptions.
  • Measure to the highest point from the average natural grade at the base, including above a retaining wall. Specified recreational fences using see-through materials have a height exception.
  • Enter your address on Pemberton’s map or locate the parcel manually.
  • Include any gates, screens or changes in material on your sketch. Ask planning to identify the applicable clause if it is unclear where a limit changes.
  • For a question about which yard the fence crosses and whether the corner has a sightline requirement, call the Municipal Hall at 604-894-6135. A sketch showing the street, house and proposed fence will help identify which limits you need.
  • Read the applicable provisions in Zoning Bylaw No. 832, 2018 (PDF).

The same question in other places

Whistler · Lillooet · Lytton · Lions Bay · Anmore · District of North Vancouver

Fence height limits in British Columbia, by municipality →

Sources

  1. Pemberton Good Neighbour Guide (PDF) (read 2026-11-09)
  2. Zoning Bylaw No. 832, 2018 (PDF) (read 2026-11-09)
  3. Using the Village geographic information system (PDF) (read 2026-11-09)
  4. Pemberton municipal office contact information (read 2026-11-09)

Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. How answers are checked.