Fences

Fences help provide privacy and protect our children, pets, and property. The Architectural Motif Guidelines for the Town of Jasper outline the requirements for fences in the community.

Do I need a permit to build a fence?

A Development Permit is required for a fence to ensure conformance with the guidelines.

Where can I build my fence?

A fence may be built along and up to your property line and should remain within your property limits. If the fence is to be shared along the property line you must obtain a Letter of Authorization (PDF, 71 KB) from the neighboring lessee prior to construction. You are responsible to ensure all property lines are located and the fence is constructed within the leasehold property lines.

How do I determine my property lines?

Locate your property lines prior to constructing the fence. This can be done by hiring a surveyor or by using an existing Real Property Report from a registered surveyor. Before excavating, call Alberta One-Call at 1-800-242-3447 for buried utility lines.

What materials can I use to construct my fence?

The materials allowed to build a fence include natural materials such as: wood pickets, logs, and stone as its main elements. If a wood fence is installed, ensure there is at least a 1.5m non-combustible break between the wood portion of the fence and the main structure. For example, installing a metal gate can break up the combustible fence and protect the main structure.

Industrial materials such as chain link or metal are generally not suitable. Firesmart alternatives are encouraged such as galvanized “Hog Wire” or “Lawn Fence” panels (much like the community gardens) framed with wood (or faux wood grain fire resistant composite materials). Fence colours should blend into the natural earth tones of our surrounding environment (browns, greens and greys).

Who do I call if my neighbour and I are having problems with our shared fence?

This is a civil matter to be resolved between you and your neighbour.

How high can my fence be?

Fencing in a rear yard can be up to maximum height of 2.4 m (8 feet). A fence in the front yard can be a maximum of 1.8 m (6 ft). Front yard fencing requires the top 0.46 m (1.5 feet) to be visually transparent (lattice or wrought iron work but excluding chain link or barb wire). “Front yard” is defined as the area of a lot fronting on a street, extending across the full width of the lot, and from the front property line of the lot to the main structure. For a corner lot, the maximum height of the fence along the front and along the total length of the lot that follows the roadway is the same as the front yard guideline.

How do I get a permit to build a fence?

The permitting process for developing a fence is a two-permit process consisting of obtaining a Parks Canada development permit and, once the work is completed, obtaining a Parks Canada Certificate of Completion.

What do I need to submit for a development permit for a fence?

1. Parks Canada development permit application - There is no fee for a development permit application. To apply for a permit, please sign and submit the Parks Canada development permit application (no building permit required) (PDF, 180 KB) which will provide the development office: the address where the fence is to be installed; who the lessee is; who the applicant is, and; basic contact information for the permit.


2. Fence checklist – Submit a completed fence checklist (PDF, 134 KB) to ensure you are submitting enough information to complete a review of your proposal. A brief narrative and description of fence colour, fence materials, and fence heights are required.


3. Site plan – A dimensioned (in metres) and scaled site plan is required demonstrating the structures on the site as well as the proposed location of the fence.


4. Elevation plan – A sketch, or picture of a similar, fence panel is required demonstrating fence style and heights.

The above required submissions, or any questions regarding the above, may be submitted to the Jasper Development Office at: jasperdevelopment@pc.gc.ca.