What is the gate height allowance in a Barrhaven side yard?

In a Barrhaven side yard, the Fence By-law (No. 2003-462), as published on ottawa.ca, sets the fence limit at 213 cm (about 7 feet). A gate in that side yard may exceed that limit by up to 30 cm.

That 30 cm allowance applies in side and rear yards only. The by-law does not extend it to a front yard gate, so if your gate sits at or near the front of the lot, confirm with the City of Ottawa which yard it falls in before ordering.

A few other details from the same by-law that affect a gate in this location:

• An archway forming part of the entrance in a side or rear yard may reach 250 cm, which is a separate allowance from the gate itself.
• Decorative caps on the structural posts may exceed the 213 cm fence limit by up to 15 cm.
• The finished side of the gate must face the neighbouring property and any public street.
• Height is measured from the grade at the base of the fence. Where the ground is higher on one side, measurement starts from the higher grade. A berm or raised fill does not raise the permitted height.

No building permit is required for a residential gate that does not enclose a pool. If the gate is part of a pool enclosure, the Pool Enclosure By-law (No. 2013-39) applies instead, and that work needs a permit; ottawapoolinstallation.ca covers that.

Before you sign a quote, ask the installer to confirm in writing the exact height they are building to, measured from grade, and where on the lot the gate will sit.