Fences & retaining walls
-
Permit types, fees, timelines
-
Review rules, checklist, and sample drawings
-
How to apply online
-
Track your application
-
Change, cancel or extend your permit
-
Inspection information and booking
Step 1: Review
Do I need a permit?
Typically a permit is required if any of these conditions apply:
Fence:
- In the rear yard it is higher than 2m (6’-6”)
- In the front yard it is higher than 1.2m (4’-0”)
- Inside a corner visibility triangle it is higher than 0.75m (2’-6”)
- The gate is higher than 2.5m (8’-2”).
In most situations a fence doesn't need a building safety approval (building permit). If your design or location does not meet land use bylaw specifications you will require planning approval (development permit).
Retaining wall or garden box:
- It is retaining 1.2m (4’-0") or more of soil, and
- The combined height of all retaining walls and garden boxes within 1m (3’-3") of each other is 1.2m (4’-0") or more.
In most situations retaining walls and garden boxes only require a building safety approval (building permit). If your design or location does not meet land use bylaw specifications you will also require planning approval (development permit).
Skateboard or sports ramp:
- It is more than 1.5m high, 5m wide, and 6m long, and
- It is not in a residential backyard, and
- It is less than 1.2m from the side and rear property lines, and
- It is attached to any other structures such as a fence, deck, garage, or shed.
In most situations a skateboard or sports ramp doesn't need a building safety approval (building permit). If your design or location does not meet land use bylaw specifications you will also require planning approval (development permit).
Hiring a contractor
Fees
| Planning approval - development permit (prior to construction) | Permit fee | Advertising fee | Development completion inspection | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proposed land use bylaw relaxation for a fence or retaining wall | $384 | $32 | $163 | $579 |
See the planning applications fee schedule for a complete list of planning application fees.
| Building safety approval - building permit | Permit fee | Safety codes council fee (4%) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| New retaining wall | $202 | $8.08 | $210.08 |
| Renovation to an existing retaining wall | $202 | $8.08 | $210.08 |
See the building permit fee schedule for a complete list of planning application fees.
How long will it take to get a permit?
To avoid delays, make sure your application includes all the required documents, plans and information listed on the checklist:
| Permit | Timeline |
|---|---|
|
Planning approval (Development permit) |
10 - 12 weeks |
|
Building safety approval (Building permit) |
Approx. 7 days |
When does my permit expire?
You will receive a permit expiry reminder in the mail. If you need more time, you can extend your permit. Review the extend or reinstate your permit section.
| Permit type | Expiry (from date of issuance) |
|---|---|
| Building permit | 180 days |
| Contractor trade permit | 330 days |
| Homeowner permit | 330 days |
Step 2: Prepare
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the work being carried out conforms to any restrictive covenants, caveats or other restrictions that are registered on the land title.
Additional inquiries about building, plumbing, gas, electrical or heating, ventilation and air conditioning code or construction methods, building safety and fire regulations, please contact the Technical Assistance Centre or call 311. For all other inquiries (i.e. Land Use Bylaw), please contact our Planning Services Centre.
Use the information below to prepare your application. Follow the rules in the location, design and construction sections to help make sure your application meets the City's requirements.
-
Determine the drawings and requirements for your fence project
-
Determine the drawings and requirements for Retaining wall permit
-
Information for uploading plans and documents for online applications
-
You can use these sample drawings as a reference while preparing your application.
Design
Measuring the height of fences, retaining walls and garden boxes
Retaining walls 1.2 m or greater in height will require a development permit.
Garden boxes must follow the rules of a retaining wall when the garden box is holding back soil at grade level. Please refer to images provided.
Retaining walls and fence heights are measured from grade to the top of the fence:
Construction (Building code information)
Derelict of run down fences
Fences on private property that are in poor condition are handled by the Community Standards Bylaw. Contact 311 for more information.
Developer fences
In most situations where a fence has been built by a developer, a restrictive covenant is registered on the land title, outlining the property owner’s rights. Developer fences older than two years are no longer the responsibility of the developer. To see who is responsible after the developer, refer to your caveat.
For any questions regarded fences off roadways, parks and pathways, contact 311.
Rules and guidelines for skateboards and sport ramps
Skateboards and sport ramps are only allowed in a Low Density Residential or Multi-Residential District, if your land use district starts with an “R” or an “M”, backyard skateboard ramps are allowed, if they meet the rules. Refer to the myProperty map to confirm the rules that apply to your land use district. Higher density areas of the Centre City like the downtown do not have access to backyard ramps.
You will only require a development permit if the height restrictions are exceeded and the structure falls outside the maximum allowable size.
In most cases, a building permit is not required, as the structure would not be considered habitable
Please see a guide to skateboard and sport ramps for examples of various structures that fall under this category.
Encroachment guidelines
New fence construction is not permitted to extend onto City of Calgary property. Visit the encroachments page for more information.
Step 3: Apply
To apply online, you need a myID account. Create a myID account.
-
apply.calgary.ca
We’re currently experiencing higher than seasonal application volumes, we apologize for delays. To check the status of your permit, go to vista.calgary.ca and enter in your Job Access Code (JAC) number
Apply in person
Once you have gathered all required documents, you can apply for your permit in person by visiting the Planning Services Centre.
Complete application requirement
An application for a permit may be refused if, within ninety (90) days from the date of receipt, adequate information and documentation is not supplied as requested by the Safety Codes Officer. Should a permit be considered for refusal the applicant will be given notification in writing and 30 days to resubmit the missing information. For more information, please review Building Advisory A19-002 Building Permit Complete Application
Step 4: Track
After you submit your application online, you will get a confirmation email with a Job Access Code (JAC).
To track your application and check its status, enter your Job Access Code in Vista.
If you need help or have questions, contact our Planning Services Centre.
Step 5: Changes
-
Revisions or revised plans, change the applicant, contractor or value of your project
-
Extend your permit before it expires or reinstate an expired permit
Step 6: Inspect
Visit building inspections for information on how to book an inspection, cancel or reschedule, permit expiry and the applicable requirements for each inspection type.
Building permit inspections you will need
Retaining walls
Framing (rough-in) inspection requirements:
- Complete the retaining wall.
- Install guards.
How do you book your inspections?
Visit building inspections for information on how to book, cancel or reschedule an inspection, permit expiry and the requirements for each inspection type.
Homeowners
Planning Services Centre
Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. (MT)
Live chat:
calgary.ca/livechat
Call:
403-268-5311
In person:
Planning Services Centre,
3rd floor, Municipal building
800 Macleod Trail SE
Book an eAppointment for in person services at appointment.calgary.ca
Click before you dig
Always contact Utility Safety Partners before you dig. Submit a locate request online or call 1-800-242-3447 for more information.