Privacy, keeping kids and pets safe, enclosing a pool: there are plenty of reasons to plan fence installation in Brossard. Before you pick wood, metal or PVC, though, you need to check the city’s rules and, if you have a pool, Quebec’s requirements. Here’s how to prepare.
Start with the City’s rules
Allowed height, placement in the front, side or back yard, permitted materials and whether a permit is needed are all governed by the City of Brossard’s planning by-laws. They can vary by zone and lot type (a corner lot, for instance). Before ordering anything, check with the City of Brossard:
- the maximum height allowed in each yard;
- the setback from the sidewalk or street;
- which materials are allowed;
- whether a permit or certificate of authorization is required.
Two principles appear in the City’s landscaping information sheet: fences are not allowed on public property, including the right-of-way along the street, and nothing taller than 75 cm is allowed in a visibility triangle. Knowing your exact property line (from your certificate of location) prevents a lot of disputes. See also our guide to Brossard renovation permits.
Pool fences: Quebec’s requirements
If the fence encloses a pool, Quebec’s Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation applies. Among other things, it requires:
- a height of at least 1.2 m;
- an enclosure that stops a 10 cm diameter sphere from passing through;
- for chain-link mesh, openings of no more than 30 mm;
- a gate with a passive safety device that closes and latches it automatically.
The City may have additional requirements. Our guide to tree cutting and pool permits covers the basics.
Choosing the material
- Wood: warm look, but needs regular staining and upkeep.
- Ornamental metal or aluminum: durable, a common pick around pools.
- PVC or composite: low maintenance, uniform look.
- Chain-link: budget-friendly and practical for pets.
Our winters call for well-anchored posts: ask how deep the holes will be and how posts are set to resist frost.
What a quote should include
- The company’s legal name and full contact details.
- Total length, height, number and width of gates.
- Material, model, colour and hardware.
- Post depth and anchoring method.
- Removal of the old fence and debris disposal.
- Who handles the permit application, if one is needed.
- Schedule, payment terms and a written warranty.
Red flags
- A contractor who says “you never need a permit” without checking.
- No mention of the property line.
- A pool gate without self-closing and self-latching hardware.
- A big cash deposit.
- A quote with no detail on the posts.
Getting the yard ready
- Find your property line using your certificate of location.
- Have underground utilities located before any digging (Info-Excavation offers this service free of charge).
- Clear the fence line: shrubs, rocks, old posts.
- Plan access for the crew and material delivery.
Once the fence is up, check that it’s straight and level, that the gates swing and close properly and, for a pool, that the latch engages on its own every single time. Test it a few times with the gate released from different angles. Keep the invoice and warranty with your other house documents.
Talk to your neighbours
A shared fence should be discussed before work begins. Show your neighbour the quote and agree in writing on placement, cost sharing and upkeep.
Getting quotes
Compare at least three detailed quotes. Send a free request through our quotes page. Redoing the driveway too? See our interlocking pavers guide.
brossard.city is an independent guide, not affiliated with the City of Brossard. Information is provided for general guidance only; check with official sources before making any decision. Spotted an error? Let us know.