Maximum fence height in Winnipeg
The City of Winnipeg’s zoning rules limit a standard residential fence to:
- 2.0 m (6 ft 6 in) in side and rear yards
- 1.2 m (4 ft) in front yards
Height is measured from normal ground level to the top of the fence between the posts. That’s why a 6 ft privacy fence — the most common backyard choice — fits comfortably within the limit, while a 7 ft fence does not.
Which part of my lot is the “front yard”?
The front yard is the area between the front wall of your house and the front property line. Everything behind the front wall counts as side or rear yard.
Do I need a permit for a fence?
No. A building permit isn’t required for a standard residential fence in Winnipeg. The height and placement rules still apply, and the only way to go beyond them is a variance application to the City.
Where exactly can the fence go?
- A fence can be built up to your property line, on your side of it.
- A fence shared with your neighbour can sit right on the line — worth putting in writing, since a future owner may see it differently.
- To know exactly where the line is, you need a Manitoba Land Surveyor’s staking certificate. Check your house papers first — some homeowners already have one.
Other rules worth knowing
- Hedges count as fences — plantings that act like a fence follow the same height rules.
- Materials: wood, brick, concrete and metal are allowed. Barbed wire and electric fences are not permitted in residential areas.
- Pool fences have their own rules and must be at least 1.5 m (5 ft) high.
- Costs between neighbours: you’re not obliged to pay half of a neighbour’s fence, and the City doesn’t regulate which side faces out (except for pool fences).
Choosing the right height for your yard
For backyard privacy, most homeowners choose 6 ft — tall enough to block most sight lines while staying within the rules. Front yards are usually 3–4 ft. Not sure? Our estimate form shows the heights next to an average adult, and we’ll help you choose on site.