In accordance with the City of Kingston Building Bylaw (2005-99)

Construction Fencing Requirements

The bylaw stipulates that construction fencing must be provided to enclose the area where a building is under construction, alteration, demolition, incomplete or abandoned as well as any site in close proximity to spaces where the public may congregate.

Location of Fencing

The fence must be structurally sound and fully surround all of the site’s activities.

Height of Fencing

When the site is located 3.0 metres or less from a public pathway or where the public congregates, the fence must be at least 1.8 metres high measured from grade outside of the enclosure. The fence height may be reduced to a minimum of 1.2 metres high only if the activity involves a residential building of no more than 3 storeys and is also located more than 3.0 metres from an adjacent public walkway.

Exceptions

There are certain circumstances where the construction fencing requirement may be exempted. The permit holder must obtain confirmation from the Building Official noted on the Building Permit prior to applying these exceptions which include:

1. Low hazard areas or areas of low human occupancy:
   1. large lots in rural areas where the neighboring properties are sufficiently far apart, and the public does not have any reason to frequent the site.
   2. Greenfield development sites under the control and constant supervision by the Builder or Developer during operations, day and night.
   3. Greenfield developments in the early phases with relatively low human occupancy, the perimeter of the subdivision site may not be required to be secured.
2. Site activities are contained within secured premises: Renovations, alterations, partial demolition inside an existing building where the openings to the building are secure when the site is not attended.
3. Activity has progressed to a stage that no longer requires protection
4. Existing fencing is in good order and already in place

Construction Specifications

There are several acceptable options for the fencing that the property owners or applicants may elect to construct, for example:

1. 12.5mm thick exterior grade plywood, wafer board or OSB, close boarded
2. PVC plastic mesh safety fence supported top and bottom
3. galvanized chain link
4. prefabricated modular fencing of welded metal frame with wire mesh infill
5. combination of the above with equivalent performance level
6. smooth exterior face to deter climbing
7. no openings in the fence that will permit a spherical object of 100mm
8. gated entry and exits must be clearly identified and securely closed and locked during non-construction hours
9. fencing must comply with the applicable Occupational Health and Safety Act provisions for “Public Way Protection” where applicable.

If you have any questions about the fencing requirements please contact the Building Official noted on the Building Permit, or the building department at 613-546-4291 ext. 3280 or buildingpermits@cityofkingston.ca.