Question 1

Rough-sawn cedar or smooth boards for a Gloucester fence?

Accepted Answer

Both rough-sawn and smooth cedar are permitted under the City of Ottawa Fence By-law, as published on ottawa.ca, provided the fence meets the by-law's height limits, has its finished side facing the street and neighbouring properties, and is kept in good repair. Cedar is one of the materials the by-law specifically excepts from the requirement to apply paint, preservatives or another weather-resistant coating, so either surface texture qualifies on that point.

Question 2

Split rail fence across a Manotick front yard, allowed?

Accepted Answer

A split rail fence across a Manotick front yard is allowed under the City of Ottawa Fence By-law, as published on ottawa.ca, as long as it stays at or below 1 m in height. Height is measured from the grade at the base of the fence, or from the higher grade where the ground differs on each side of the fence. A berm does not raise that limit. Split rail is an open style, and two triangle rules matter on the lot.

Question 3

Warped boards on a new wood fence in Gloucester, normal?

Accepted Answer

Wood boards can move after installation, and whether that is within normal range or a defect worth pursuing depends on a few things worth checking before you contact the installer. Why particular boards warped is something the installer has to look at and explain. What you can check yourself is whether the fence still meets the standard the by-law sets, and what your written contract says about the material.

Question 4

Lattice top on a cedar fence in Orleans, allowed?

Accepted Answer

A lattice top on a cedar fence is allowed in Orleans under the City of Ottawa Fence By-law, No. 2003-462, as long as the total height of the fence, including the lattice, stays within the limits. In a side or rear yard, the full structure, solid boards plus lattice, must not exceed 213 cm (about 7 feet) measured from the grade at the base of the fence. In a front yard, the total cannot exceed 1 m. How height is measured matters here.

Wood & Cedar Fences

Rough-sawn cedar or smooth boards for a Gloucester fence?

Split rail fence across a Manotick front yard, allowed?

Warped boards on a new wood fence in Gloucester, normal?

Lattice top on a cedar fence in Orleans, allowed?