Burlington Pool
Enclosure Requirements
What Burlington’s Pool By-law 74-2005 requires for the fence and gates around a residential pool, and what your enclosure drawings need to show.
Height by fence type
For single-family and semi-detached properties, the by-law sets a minimum and maximum height for each type of enclosure.
| Enclosure type | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link, links up to 38 mm | 1.2 m | 2.0 m |
| Chain link, links up to 50 mm | 1.8 m | 2.0 m |
| Boards, panels or pickets | 1.2 m | 2.0 m |
| Wrought iron or metal | 1.5 m | 2.0 m |
| Wall of a building | 1.2 m | – |
- Openings: boards, panels or pickets can have openings up to 38 mm where the horizontal rails are less than 1.2 m apart, or up to 100 mm where they’re more than 1.2 m apart. Wrought iron openings are capped at 100 mm.
- Ground gap: no more than 100 mm between the bottom of any fence or gate and finished grade.
- Building walls: no ledge or step within 1.2 m of the ground.
- Distance from the pool: fences must be at least 1.2 m from the inside edge of the pool, with limited exceptions.
- Not allowed: barbed wire, broken glass and electrified fencing.
Gates and hardware
- Self-closing and self-latching hardware approved by the Chief Building Official. Thumb latches don’t qualify.
- Latch position: at the top of the gate, on the inside.
- Construction: gates meet the same standard as the fence and hang on substantial hinges.
- Double gates: one leaf self-closing and self-latching, the other held with a ground pin and lock.
- Kept locked whenever the pool isn’t under competent supervision.
Before the water goes in
- No water in the pool until the fences and gates are installed and approved.
- Temporary fencing approved by the Chief Building Official is required during construction, until the permanent enclosure is in.
- Permit timing: the enclosure permit is valid for six months if work starts in that time, with one six-month renewal available.
- Changes to the approved plans need the Chief Building Official’s authorization.
What the site plan shows
The City’s checklist asks for fence details (materials and height) and gate details marked self-closing and self-latching, along with the pool’s location, setbacks and type.
- Fence materials and height for every run of the enclosure
- Every gate, its height and type, marked self-closing / self-latching
- Pool size, shape and type, and its setbacks
- Any existing fences being used as part of the enclosure
Pool enclosure FAQ
Do I need a separate fence permit?
No. The pool enclosure permit is one of the three approvals inside Burlington’s Combined Residential Swimming Pool Application.
Can my existing fence be part of the enclosure?
It can, if it meets the by-law for height, openings and gates. The plan has to show the fence materials and height and every gate.
When can I fill the pool?
Not until the fences and gates are installed and approved. Temporary fencing approved by the Chief Building Official is required during construction.
Which way does the gate have to swing?
By-law 74-2005 doesn’t set a swing direction. It does require self-closing and self-latching hardware, mounted at the top on the inside of the gate.
Do hot tubs need fencing?
A hot tub under 8 m² of water surface needs fencing and gates or a lockable lid, and has its own permit. Larger ones go through the pool application.
Need your enclosure drawn to the by-law?
Tell us about the property and the pool, and we’ll quote a drawing package for Burlington’s combined application.
From the City’s own documents
- Pool By-law 74-2005 (PDF): City of Burlington
- Zoning, Forestry and Pool Enclosure Checklist (PDF): City of Burlington
- Pool Permits: City of Burlington
Requirements summarized from the City of Burlington’s own documents. Your approved drawings and the City’s review always take precedence; check the City’s current documents before you apply.