How tall can my fence be? Do I need a fence around my pool?
In the Township of Athens, Ontario, fences & pool enclosures rules are set by By-law 2026-13 Swimming Pool Enclosure By-law, verified 2026-09-25. A permit is required. Pool enclosure: Minimum 1.2 m (4 ft) enclosure completely enclosing pool area; gates must be self-closing and self-latching at top inside of gate; max 50 mm gap to grade.
By-law 2026-13 Swimming Pool Enclosure By-law
adopted bylaw
permit required
yes
require the owners of privately owned outdoor swimming pools to erect and maintain an enclosure around such pool and to obtain a permit
pool enclosure
Minimum 1.2 m (4 ft) enclosure completely enclosing pool area; gates must be self-closing and self-latching at top inside of gate; max 50 mm gap to grade.
s. 4(4); s. 5(2); s. 4(6)
scout note
Requires a permit and an enclosure at least 1.2m (4ft) high around privately-owned outdoor swimming pools, with self-latching gates of equal height; repeals the 2006 Pool and Fencing By-law.
Sight-triangle provision prohibits fences or vegetation over 1m high at street intersections; no separate general fence-height by-law found (July 2024 office consolidation, original by-law year unstated).