City Departments

Pools, Hot Tubs and Fences

What I Need to Know about Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs:

If you are installing a swimming pool or hot tub, a permit is required. To obtain the permit, we require the following:
  • a copy of survey showing the location of the pool/hot tub on the site and its distance from all other structures and property lines.
  • simple description of the pool/hot tub
  • a diagram of the type of protection (fence) you will be constructing around the pool/hot tub
  • cheque or debit card to pay for the applicable fees.
  • completed application form (see related documents below)(you may wish to fill out the application form with a staff member when you submit the above mentioned items.)


The regulations regarding the location of a swimming pool or hot tub on your property may be found in Section 2.1.11.2 of the City of Cambridge Zoning By-law .

What I Need to Know about Installing a Fence:

Although no permit is required to install a fence except around pools,hot tubs, and possibly excavations, there are regulations which govern the height, location, and types of fences permitted within the City of Cambridge.

You may view a copy of the Fence By-law below.

When is a Fence By-law Amendment Application Required?:

Under certain circumstances, a property owner may wish to install a fence which does not fall within the regulations of the fence by-law. These situations may be reviewed and in some cases, where shown to be valid, Cambridge Council may approve modified fences.

A fence by-law amendment application along with a fee is required to be submitted to the Director of Building & Enforcement Services. Please keep in mind that a request for an amendment is not always successful.

You may view a copy of the Fence Amendment Application in the related docs section below.

Please call 519.740.4613 for further information pertaining to your specific situation.

This page provides general information on pools, hot tubs, fences and the required permits and should be read in conjunction with the current Fence By-law.

Related Documents

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION DATE POSTED  
Building Information
Fence By-Law Amendment Application Form Fence By-Law Amendment Application Form 2008-04-03 PDF 23Kb
Pool Permit Application Pool Permit Application 2008-03-04 PDF 31Kb
Fence By-law 92-05 Fence By-law - Fencing for Swimming Pools/Hot Tubs - Special Information 2005-07-19 PDF 519Kb