The Complete Guide to Applying for a Pool Fence Enclosure Certificate in Toronto

09.05.2025

Junning Wang

Landscape Designer, Horvath Landscapes Inc.

Building a swimming pool in Toronto is not just about design and construction—it also requires compliance with municipal approvals. According to City of Toronto regulations, all new pools must go through a two-step approval process:

1. Zoning Applicable Law Certificate (ZALC)

2. Pool Fence Enclosure Permit

   
   

Preparing the right documents and drawings in advance will streamline approvals and ensure that construction proceeds smoothly and legally.

Zoning Applicable Law Certificate Application

https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/building-construction/preliminary-zoning-reviews-information/apply-for-a-zoning-review/zoning-certificate-for-a-pool-fence-enclosure/

The first step is applying for a Zoning Applicable Law Certificate (ZALC), which confirms that the proposed pool complies with Toronto’s zoning by-laws.

Required documents:

• Property survey plan

• ZALC application form

• Application fee

• Site Plan

Review focus:

• Compliance with setback requirements

• Lot coverage limitations

• Presence of easements or other restrictions

For Toronto projects, applicants can review the City’s “Zoning Applicable Law Certificate for a Pool Fence Enclosure” page, which includes a downloadable Sample Pool Enclosure Drawing outlining the expected site plan details. The ZALC application form is available on the same page. Once the package is prepared, submit all PDFs by email to bldapplications@toronto.ca.

Use distinct colours to separate scopes on the site plan for readability during review—for example, draw softscaping areas in red and hardscaping in blue; keep fence/enclosure lines and gate swings in a contrasting lineweight, and annotate setbacks from the water’s edge rather than coping where applicable. (This colour coding helps reviewers quickly verify compliance and reduces re-submittals.)

Pool Fence Enclosure Permit Application

https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/public-notices-bylaws/bylaw-enforcement/fences/

Once the ZALC is approved, the next step is obtaining a Pool Fence Enclosure Permit, which ensures that the pool area is properly secured.

Required documents:

• A completed Pool Fence Enclosure Permit application form

• Zoning Certificate

• Zoning approved site plan or drawings including location, height, and materials of the fence

Review focus:

• Fence height of at least 1.2 m (4 ft)

• Non-climbable design

• Gates must open outward and close automatically

• Compliance with Toronto Fence By-law

When preparing drawings for a pool fence enclosure, adding a few key notes can make the approval process a lot smoother:

• Windows below 8 ft: If you’ve got any windows that sit less than 8 feet above grade, make sure to show that they’ll have a permanent restrictor installed, keeping the maximum opening under 100 mm (4").

• Gates: Always note your gates as permanent, self-closing and self-latching, but it also helps to add the word “lockable” right on the plan.

• Doors opening into the enclosure: If the enclosure ties directly into the back of the house, remember to leave at least 1 m (4 ft) of clear space on both sides of the door, and the fence gate itself should also be at least 1 m (4 ft) away from the door.

Once your package is complete, email the Pool Fence Enclosure Permit application to MLSPoolPermits@toronto.ca as PDFs. Only complete submissions are accepted.

Construction can only begin once both the ZALC and Pool Fence Enclosure Permit have been issued. If tree removal is involved, a separate Tree Removal Permit will also be required. During construction, the City may conduct inspections to verify compliance with approved drawings.

Reference:

• Toronto Zoning Applicable Law Certificate (ZALC)

• Toronto Pool Fence Enclosure Permit

• Toronto Fence By-law

• 311 Toronto Services

• How long does approval take?

  Typically 2–4 weeks, depending on City workload.

• Can I start construction before applying?

  No—unauthorized construction may result in fines and mandatory corrections.

• How much does it cost?

  Fees are set by the City and charged as fixed application costs.

In Toronto, pool construction is not just a design challenge but a regulatory one. By preparing accurate documentation in advance, homeowners and designers can streamline the approval process and move forward with confidence. If you are planning to build a swimming pool in Toronto or the GTA, or need assistance preparing municipal approval documents, feel free to contact us. Our team can guide you through the entire process—from design to documentation—to ensure your project moves forward smoothly.