Fences and Decks
There is no permit required to build a fence on your property unless it is in conjunction with corner lots or swimming pools.
You will require a permit if you are building a deck where any portion is more than 0.6m (2ft) above grade or if it is covered in any way. Decks must comply with the Zoning Bylaw yard setback regulations, and these regulations depend on where you live in Waterloo. Call the City of Waterloo Zoning Department for specific details for your home at 519-747-8773 or 519-747-8759.

Hot Tubs
To have a hot tub in your yard, the City of Waterloo requires that you either have a non-climbable fence or an approved locking hot tub cover that has been CSA or ASTM tested and approved. Most hot tub covers will have a stamp of approval indicating that they have been tested for safety. Having this certification exempts you from fencing requirements.

Pools & Pool Fencing
You must obtain a permit before installing a pool on your property. This can be done on the second floor of Waterloo City Hall, located at 100 Regina Street South. You will need to bring:

• A copy of your survey showing the location of the pool and its distance from other structures and property lines.
• A diagram of the type of fencing you will be using.
• Cash, cheque or debit -The cost of obtaining a permit is $75.00 with a $100.00 deposit that will be refunded within 6 weeks of final inspection.

The city of Waterloo requires that you fence your yard with a non-climbable fence at least 5 feet high if you have a pool. The fence must be at least 2 feet away from the pool itself. For more information or answers to specific fencing inquiries, you can contact the City of Waterloo Building Standards & Inspections at (519) 747-8712.

Access Permits
You will also need to obtain a permit if at any time you or your contractor will be crossing city owned property with any type of equipment or vehicle to access private property. An access permit will be required, for example, if a homeowner or a contractor hired by the homeowner must go across a city right-of-way, pathway, or any public green space in Waterloo, in order to carry out activities such as landscaping, pool or deck construction on a residential property. This permit will cost you $50.00, payable to the City of Waterloo.

To pick up a permit, visit the Building Department at the Waterloo City Centre at 100 Regina Street South or the Waterloo Service Centre at 265 Lexington Court.

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