Residential driveway gates are a great addition to any home. They’re stylish, add value to your property and serve as an effective barrier against unwanted guests. However, before adding a residential gate to the front of your property, ensure you comply with applicable regulations, including height restrictions. Here’s an overview of what you need to know.

Residential Gates: Rules and Regulations Per Province

Unsurprisingly, strict rules govern the construction of residential gates across Canada. For example, driveway gates can’t encroach on public property or utilities. Additionally, they can’t be made of barbed or razor wire and can’t be electrified. There are also height restrictions. Generally, gates built on residential properties cannot exceed two metres in height.

Here’s an overview to use as a starting point for some of the rules for several major cities in Western Canada. Contact your local Creative Door Services™ to learn more and get started with a free estimate!

British Columbia
In Vancouver, the maximum gate height varies based on the property's zoning and where the gate is located on the property. A front yard gate can typically be no more than 1.2 metres high. Side and back gates can be up to 1.9 metres high.

In Kelowna, the maximum height for gates constructed at natural grade in rural residential zones cannot exceed two metres.

Alberta
In Edmonton, residential gates built on ground level cannot exceed 1.85 metres in any portion of the rear yard or interior side yard and 1.2 m in any portion of the front yard or flanking side yard.

In Calgary, gates cannot exceed 2.5 metres in height. Moreover, in Fort McMurray, backyard gates can be up to two metres tall, while front yard gates are restricted to one metre. If you have a corner lot, the gate can’t be taller than 0.6 metres within the triangular area 7.5 metres back of the intersecting front property lines.

Saskatchewan
In Regina, residential driveway gates can be up to 1.83 metres high in backyards and 1.22 metres in front yards.

In Saskatoon, residential gates can be as tall as one metre in front yards and two metres in side and rear yards. Homeowners must also keep their gates in good repair and free of graffiti.

Manitoba
In Winnipeg, zoning bylaws limit the maximum height of a standard residential driveway gate to two metres for rear and side yards and 1.2 metres for front yards.

Get It Done Right the First Time

Keep in mind that you may be able to build a driveway gate that exceeds these limits with special permission from your city or municipality. For more information, reach out to your local Creative Door Services™ location. Our team knows local bylaws inside and out and will be able to suggest the best height, width and clearance for your gate based on the unique needs of your property.

Custom Gate Solutions

The team at Creative Door Services™ can help you design the custom gate of your dreams. They’ll consider your budget and your property’s unique features. For example, if you have a sloped driveway or require additional clearance for large vehicles. Our team can also advise you on the best gate materials for your climate and desired maintenance level.

Whether you want a contemporary powder-coat finished metal gate, a rustic carriage house-style gate or a classic ornamental wrought-iron gate, the choice is yours. We can help you determine which type of gate meets your needs and ensure it functions perfectly.

Planned Gate Maintenance

Once our team professionally installs your gate, we can help you extend its lifespan with our comprehensive planned maintenance program. When you sign up for the program, one of our expert technicians will regularly visit your home to inspect your gate system and ensure it’s working well. They’ll be able to detect minor problems before they become major issues.

Automatic Residential Gates in Western Canada

Creative Door Services^TM offers a range of high-quality residential gates in various styles and materials from top-tier brands. We also carry automatic swing and slide gate operators, as well as innovative access control solutions like keypads, telephone entry systems and automatic sensors. If we carry it, you can rest assured it’s built to last.

To learn more about our products and services or get a free quote, contact us today at one of our eight locations. You can find us in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.