What You Should Know About Fence Height, Safety & Bylaws in BC (With Surrey & Vancouver Examples)

Choosing the right fence height for your home in BC isn’t just about privacy, safety, or design — it’s also about following each city’s specific bylaws in Surrey, Vancouver and across BC. Whether you live in Surrey, Langley, Delta, Cloverdale, White Rock, North Delta, New Westminster, Guildford, Fleetwood, or anywhere across British Columbia, fence-height rules can vary significantly.

At Wind Rose Fencing, many homeowners call us asking:

“How tall can my fence be?”

The truth? It depends on the city — and sometimes even the zoning of your specific property.

To help you get started, here’s a detailed guide based on BC-wide best practices, plus real examples from Surrey and Vancouver.

Why Fence Height Matters in BC

Installing the wrong fence height can lead to fines, removal orders, or costly re-work. Municipalities across BC set fence height standards to ensure:

• Street visibility and safety

• Neighbourhood aesthetics

• Property line consistency

• Pedestrian and traffic safety

• Compliance with zoning regulations

Regardless of whether you are in Surrey, Langley, White Rock, Delta, Cloverdale, Fleetwood, Guildford, or Port Coquitlam — your city may have different rules.

This is why Wind Rose Fencing always recommends that customers contact their local City Hall before building any fence.

General Fence Height Guidelines Across BC

These guidelines apply to many cities in the Lower Mainland and beyond:

Front Yards

• Typically 3 ft to 4 ft (0.9 m – 1.2 m)

• Some cities allow up to 5 ft if it is at least 80% open (like chain link)

Side & Back Yards

• Commonly 6 ft (1.8 m)

• Some sloped or corner lots have restrictions

Pools & Safety Barriers

• Minimum height is often 5 ft, with self-closing, self-latching gates

• Designed to protect children and pets

Special Materials (Barbed Wire / Razor Wire)

• Often not allowed in residential zones

• Usually only allowed in commercial or industrial zones

These general guidelines help — but actual laws depend on your city.

Example 1: Surrey, BC — Residential Fence Height Rules

Surrey is where many of Wind Rose Fencing’s clients are located, and the bylaws are straightforward:

✔ Maximum residential fence height: 1.8 m (approx. 6 ft)

✔ Barbed wire & razor wire not permitted in residential zones

✔ Front yard fences generally must remain open-style (chain link)

This is why many Surrey homeowners call us for 6 ft residential privacy fencing, especially in areas like Fleetwood, Guildford, Cloverdale, and North Delta.

Example 2: Vancouver, BC — More Detailed Fence Rules

Vancouver has one of the strictest sets of fence regulations in the Lower Mainland:

✔ Front yard fences must be 5 ft or lower

✔ Must be at least 80% open (chain link is perfect)

✔ Side & rear yard fences may be up to 6 ft

✔ Solid fences not permitted in the front yard

This is different from Surrey, showing how fence height varies widely even between neighbouring cities.

Other Cities Across BC

Cities such as Langley, Delta, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and White Rock all have unique rules — but the patterns usually match these principles:

• Front yards = lower, open fences

• Side/rear yards = 6 ft

• Higher than 6 ft almost always needs a permit

• Barbed/razor wire is rarely allowed in residential areas

Because the rules differ, Wind Rose Fencing strongly recommends that every homeowner call their local City Hall before installation to confirm the most up-to-date regulations.

This ensures your new fence meets safety, bylaw, and property requirements — and protects you from surprise costs.

How Wind Rose Fencing Helps You Stay Bylaw-Compliant

As one of the most trusted local companies for chain link fence installation in Surrey, Delta, Langley, Cloverdale, White Rock, Guildford, and Fleetwood, we:

• Review your property layout

• Recommend the correct height for your needs

• Advise you on local standards

• Provide high-quality installations that last

Clients choose Wind Rose Fencing because we’re the best fence company in Fleetwood, Langley, and Surrey for ensuring proper installation and code compliance.

Final Thoughts

Fence height is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your home. Whether you need privacy, pet safety, pool protection, or improved security, choosing the correct height — and following your city’s bylaw — is essential.

Wind Rose Fencing proudly serves homeowners across Surrey, Delta, Langley, White Rock, Cloverdale, North Delta, New Westminster, Guildford, Fleetwood, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, and all of BC with trusted advice, expert installation, and the best customer service in the region.

Before you start building any new fence, always contact your local City Hall to confirm the latest regulations.

Get your free consultation today!

📞 Call us or visit our website to schedule your quote and discover why homeowners and businesses across BC trust Wind Rose Fencing.

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📍 Serving Areas:

Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Langley, Coquitlam, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and all across British Columbia

📞 Call us at (778) - 720 - 4677

📧 Email: windrosefencing@gmail.com

🌐 Visit: www.windrosefencing.ca

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