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West Vancouver fence rules: permits and height limits

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

West Vancouver, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-09

Short answer

In West Vancouver’s RS5, RS9, RD1, RD2 and RD3 zones, fences are limited to 1.2 metres in front and 1.8 metres elsewhere. Other residential sites generally allow 1.8 metres in front and 2.4 metres elsewhere. Special limits apply near retaining walls.

Key facts

PermitOrdinary fences are exempt from the building bylaw, except as provided in Part 19 for retaining walls and grades. Check the separate zoning requirements.Building Bylaw No. 5340, 2025, Section 4.3(a), fences · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
4.3 This Bylaw does not apply to: (a) fences, except as set out in Part 19 [Retaining Walls and Grades] of this Bylaw; (b) an accessory Building with a floor area of less than 10 square metres that does not create a hazard; (c) a trellis, arbour or landscaping; andBuilding Bylaw No. 5340, 2025 8
Height, front yardIn West Vancouver’s RS5, RS9, RD1, RD2 and RD3 zones, fences are limited to 1.2 metres in front and 1.8 metres elsewhere.Zoning Bylaw No. 4662, section 130.17, fences, PDF p. 18 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
130.17 – Fences (Bylaw No. 4895, No. 5110) (1) The maximum height of a fence: (a) in the RS5, RS9, RD1, RD2 and RD3 zones is 1.2 m within a front yard and 1.8 m at all other locations on the site; and (b) on all other sites zoned for residential uses is 1.8 m within a front yard and 2.4 m at all other locations on a site.
Height, side and rear yardsThe five named zones allow 1.8 metres outside the front yard. Other residential zones generally allow 2.4 metres.Zoning Bylaw No. 4662, section 130.17, fences, PDF p. 18 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
(1) The maximum height of a fence: (a) in the RS5, RS9, RD1, RD2 and RD3 zones is 1.2 m within a front yard and 1.8 m at all other locations on the site; and (b) on all other sites zoned for residential uses is 1.8 m within a front yard and 2.4 m at all other locations on a site.
Corner lots and sightlinesNot confirmed. Checked 130 - General Regulations for Residential Zones and Uses Only; not found there.
Other rulesOn or within 1.2 m of a retaining wall, the combined height must meet the lowest applicable limit in section 130.17(2).Zoning Bylaw No. 4662, section 130.17, fences, PDF p. 18 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
(2) Where a fence is located on or within 1.2 m of a retaining wall, the maximum combined height of the fence and retaining wall is the lesser of: (Bylaw #5122) (a) 1.8 metres if located in a yard adjacent to an open or un-opened public street right-of-way, not including a lane (Figure 1); (b) 2.4 metres if located elsewhere on the site; or (Bylaw #5192) (c) the fence height specified in (1) above.
BylawZoning Bylaw No. 4662, section 130.17, fencesZoning Bylaw No. 4662, section 130.17, fences, PDF p. 1 / PDF p. 18 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
Zoning Bylaw No. 4662, 2010
130.17 – Fences (Bylaw No. 4895, No. 5110)

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. The five named zones allow 1.8 metres outside the front yard. Other residential zones generally allow 2.4 metres.

Steps

  1. Check the fence provisions in Zoning Bylaw No. 4662, section 130.17, fences (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

  • On or within 1.2 m of a retaining wall, the combined height must meet the lowest applicable limit in section 130.17(2).
  • Ordinary fences are exempt from the building bylaw, except as provided in Part 19 for retaining walls and grades. Check the separate zoning requirements.
  • Use West Vancouver’s property information search.
  • 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 planning office at 604-925-7055. A sketch showing the street, house and proposed fence will help identify which limits you need.
  • Read the applicable provisions in Building Bylaw No. 5340, 2025 (PDF).

The same question in other places

Bowen Island · Lions Bay · District of North Vancouver · North Vancouver · Vancouver · Richmond

Fence height limits in British Columbia, by municipality →

Sources

  1. Zoning Bylaw No. 4662, section 130.17, fences (PDF) (read 2026-11-09)
  2. Online Services (read 2026-11-09)
  3. Building Bylaw No. 5340, 2025 (PDF) (read 2026-11-09)
  4. West Vancouver municipal office contact information (read 2026-11-09)
  5. Submitting a Development Application | District of West Vancouver (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.