Lattice top on a cedar fence in Orleans, allowed?

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. The by-law measures from the finished ground at the base of the fence, and where the ground is higher on one side, from the higher grade. A berm or artificial embankment does not raise the limit. Boards and lattice count together: if the combined height passes 213 cm in a side or rear yard, the fence does not meet the by-law, however much of it is lattice.

A few other points from the by-law apply to this fence. Cedar is one of the materials excepted from the coating rule, so the cedar boards do not need to be painted or sealed to meet the by-law, though the lattice material should be confirmed with your installer if it is not cedar. The finished side of the fence, the side that looks complete, must face the public street and neighbouring properties under section 15. Decorative caps on structural posts may extend up to 15 cm above the 213 cm limit in a side or rear yard, but that allowance is for post caps only, not for the lattice panel itself.

Ask your installer to specify the lattice height and the board height as separate line items in the quote, so you can confirm the total before the fence goes up. Things that show up in a cedar fence quote include the material and style, the total height, the length of the run, the number and size of gates, removal and disposal of any old fence, and how the posts are set.

Keep the written contract, the itemized quote and photos of the finished fence.