One of the biggest perks of buying a new home is getting a lot of say in what it will look like. From what kind of countertops you’d like in the kitchen to which fixtures you’d like in the bathrooms, the choice is yours.
The same choices apply when it comes to your home's landscaping - in this case, fencing. Because builders are not generally responsible for building your fence, you are left with a wide range of options available in terms of how you’d like to complete your yard. While some fences are built by the developer, like in the case of your home being located along an arterial road, the fence is the homeowner’s responsibility.
For that reason, we wanted to provide you with a guide to fencing your new home.
If you’ve purchased a new home, chances are it’s located in a community development which has landscaping requirements. Included in these requirements are regulations for where you can build fences on your property, what materials fences can be built from, as well as any other guidelines.
Fencing requirements are put in place so the property values of your home, and the ones surrounding it, are not diminished in any way. These regulations also ensure your fencing does not limit your neighbour’s ability to use their property.
If you already live in a Qualico community and are not sure what sort of fencing requirements apply, you can review them by visiting the Resident Resources page on your community’s website. From there, click on the link following “Landscaping Requirements” to download a PDF document that will provide you with further information.
Zoning bylaws stipulate the height and location of fencing around your home, which means you might need a permit for your fence depending on the height and location. As long as your fence is no higher than 6.1 feet in the rear of your home, or 4 feet in your front yard, obtaining a permit from the City of Edmonton is not required.
If you do require a permit, this can be done by submitting a Residential Building Application Form (available on the City of Edmonton website). Once approved, your neighbours will be notified, with 14 days to appeal the decision if they so choose.
Maintaining a good relationship with your neighbours is important, so be sure to include them in your fence building project. Any fence that is installed between your property and theirs is one that they will have to look at every day. Nothing will stir up bad blood between neighbours more than a hastily built fence.
On a more positive note, you may be able to share the cost and ownership of the fence with your neighbour. This will save you money in the construction of the fence, and you will avoid any encroachment disputes with your neighbour in the future.
If your neighbour isn’t interested in working with you to build a fence between your two properties, that doesn’t mean you can’t build one.
In this situation, you’ll need to ensure that when you build the fence, it's entirely on your property. This will encroach minimally on your backyard but you will be able to have added privacy, as well as give your kids or pets a safe place to play freely.
If you do decide to build the fence on your own, be sure to construct it so you’ll be able to repair it without interfering with your neighbour’s property.
Before you stick a shovel in the ground, it’s vitally important to have a professional identify all underground utility lines near where your fence will be located. This will ensure you don’t damage a gas or electrical line, causing serious injury or death, or be liable to pay for damages you caused.
Residents can contact Alberta One Call to have this completed before they build.
The property value of your home is determined by several things, including the landscaping and fencing on your property. If you build an attractive, well-built fence, you will add not only to your own property value, but your neighbour’s as well.
Do yourself a favour and have a licensed contractor build it for you - you and your neighbours will be happy with the results and it will improve the resale value of your home.
When it comes to building a new fence on your property, don’t cut corners. Make sure you know community and zoning guidelines, check with your neighbours and verify the location of gas and electrical lines well ahead of time. Following the rules will not only keep you safe and solidify a good relationship with those living around you, but will guarantee your privacy and an increased property value in the future.