Fence rules can regulate materials as well as height
Wood, chain link, metal, masonry, glass and composite products may all be treated differently. Municipal rules can also prohibit or restrict sharp materials, electrified fencing, sheet metal, barbed wire or designs that create a safety hazard.
Residential rules are not the same everywhere
Toronto's current fence guidance generally prohibits barbed or sharp materials and restricts sheet or corrugated metal panels; it also limits most electrified fences. Edmonton's current guidance says electric fencing and barbed wire cannot be used for its ordinary fence/privacy-screening projects. Agricultural, industrial or security contexts can have different exceptions.
See the City of Toronto fence guidance and the City of Edmonton fence permit guidance.
Pool enclosures have their own construction rules
For a pool or hot tub, the question is not simply whether a material is allowed. Mesh size, gaps, climbability, gate hardware and horizontal members can matter. A decorative fence that works elsewhere on the lot may not qualify as a compliant enclosure.
Opacity and visibility can matter near driveways
Some rules require open construction or lower barriers near a driveway or intersection so people can see approaching vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. Adding privacy slats, plants or panels later can therefore change the practical compliance of a fence even when the posts stay in the same place.
Check private restrictions too
Municipal permission does not erase a restrictive covenant, easement, strata/condominium rule or other private restriction registered against the property. Those restrictions are separate from the city's fence bylaw.