Toronto · 2026

Toronto Exemption Licence: Cost, Requirements & Timeline

A fence exemption may be required when a proposed fence does not meet Toronto fence standards. Officially, the City calls this a “Fence Standards and Exemption” licence.

Government licensing fees
$200.00
Paid to the City of Toronto
City processing target
0 business days
After a complete application
Last verified August 28, 2026·Official City of Toronto source

What the City of Toronto charges for a exemption licence

These fees are paid to the City. They are separate from anything you pay us.

ChargeAmount
Fence exemption applicationAt application · Non-refundable.$200.00
Total government fees$200.00

How long a exemption licence takes in Toronto

Fence exemptions require Community Council consideration; meeting schedules affect timing.

City contacts youAfter your application is submittedWithin 0 business days
Licence issuedOnce a complete application has been receivedWithin 0 business days

Processing time is a City service target, not a guarantee.

The part that catches people out: the City does not start your application until every required document is in. A missing or out-of-date document does not cost you a few days. Your file does not enter the queue at all.

Is this the right licence for you?

Yes, if this is you: A fence exemption may be required when a proposed fence does not meet Toronto fence standards.

Documents you need for a exemption licence in Toronto

Which of these apply depends on how you are applying. Answer a few questions and we will send you the exact list for your situation, free.

City forms and approvals

Online / email / in person

Official City application forms, permits, inspections and approvals.

  • Fence Exemption application

Prepared by you or your designer

Prepare yourself

You or your designer prepares this.

  • Site plan / drawings
    Show fence location, height and relevant property features.

Prepared by applicant

Prepare yourself

Business, event, site and operating information supplied by the applicant.

  • Photographs
Build my free roadmap

No payment. No account. Takes about a minute.

How to apply, step by step

If you would rather do it yourself, this is the whole process.

  1. Confirm the permit scope and applicable-law requirements.
  2. Prepare the current application form, drawings and technical documents.
  3. Submit the permit/review application.
  4. Pay the calculated permit fee and any required deposit.
  5. Respond to examiner comments or requests for revised information.
  6. Receive the permit before starting regulated work.
  7. Book required inspections.

Common questions

How much does a exemption licence cost in Toronto?

The City of Toronto charges $200.00 in total: $200.00 for the fence exemption application. Those fees are paid to the City. Our fee for handling the application is separate and quoted on a call.

How long does it take to get a exemption licence in Toronto?

The City targets 0 business days after it receives a complete application, and aims to contact you within 0 business days of submission. The clock only starts once every required document is in.

What documents do I need for a exemption licence?

It depends on whether you apply as a sole proprietor, a corporation or a partnership, and on how many owners there are. The full list is above, and a free personalized roadmap will tell you exactly which ones apply to you.

Or we handle all of it

We prepare the whole application for you

So that when it goes in, it is complete on day one and the City clock actually starts.

  • We tell you exactly which documents you need and help you obtain each one
  • We complete every City form for your structure
  • We check every document is current, correctly named and consistent
  • We assemble the package and handle the submission and City follow-up
  • One point of contact who answers the phone
Call for your quote

Our fee depends on your structure and how many owners are involved, so we quote it on the call. The $200.00 in City fees is separate either way, and paid to the City.

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