How Ottawa Fence Companies Can Build a Fence That Is By-Law Friendly
If you want a new fence to compliment your home, it is best to hire a fence company who already knows the ins and outs of by-law friendly fences. You may be thinking, “It’s just a fence, how much is there to know?”
Believe it or not, there is a lot more to fences than wood, paint and nails.
The Basics
There are mandatory fence regulations in Ottawa that you must follow when putting up a fence if you don’t want by-law officers knocking on your front door.
In Ottawa, any fence built in a residential area must adhere to specific height regulations. So you can have your privacy, and define your property line – but there are limits.
Fences put up in the front yard can only be 3 ft. tall, but you have a lot more wiggle room when it comes to your backyard, where the maximum height is 7 ft. Be it wood, PVC , or a nice big hedge to give your backyard a more private, intimate feel. Speaking of material, a fence cannot be made from any potentially dangerous material; such as chicken wire, or barbed wire.
Also, as much as you may want an impenetrable fortress, you cannot have any form of electrical current in your fence. So you will have to find another way to protect yourself from any unwanted neighbour invasions.
Don’t Be a Bad Neighbour
As we all know, there are many stereotypes about Canadians. In addition to our apparently incontrollable maple syrup addiction or the idea that we all live in Igloos, we are known for being some of the most polite people in the world. A part of by-law rule reinforces this stereotype, and for good reason. When it comes to fences, Ottawa by-law standards require us to follow the “good neighbour policy”. This just means you have to keep your fence looking nice and maintained, at least the side that is facing your neighbour – because no one likes looking at a dingy fence.
Call Before You Dig
Call before you dig are words to live by when putting up a new fence in Ottawa. Many important wires, and service cables are hiding everywhere under your property. The biggest mistake people make is not realizing how close to the surface these lines are, and how easily they can be damaged. It only takes one wrong move to bust one open.
Here’s the kicker. You are 100 % liable for all damages, and the cost that comes with it. You can avoid all this by contacting One Call to provide a request locate to map out any cables/wires, and show you where it is safe to dig.
That’s why it is probably a lot easier just to call in a fencing company. But if you are a DIY kind of person, just make sure to keep these things in mind if you are planning to build a fence around your Ottawa home.
