Fencing Regulations

Before building any fence, it's best to check if you need any permits.

Do I need a Permit?

Building Permits are required for most, but not all fences.

In some circumstances, a Planning Permit may also be required.

There are different regulations and requirements depending on the location and type of fence. 

Our article on When a Building Permit is Required indicates what fences and other buildings require or are exempt from requiring a building permit.

Boundary fencing

(Side & Rear Boundary adjoining another Property only)
In most cases the 'normal' height of a boundary paling or colourbond fence is 1.6 - 1.8 metres.

Owners are able to erect a fence up to 2 metres in height without a Building Permit.

For fencing over 2 metres in height, there are height/length/setback limitations. Contact our Building Department for specific information.

Further information regarding boundary fencing is available in this Fencing Quick Guide.

Front Fences

A front fence is defined as a fence that is within 3 metres of the street boundary at the front of the allotment.

Separate provisions apply to fences at intersections (corner fences) - see below.
 
Any front fence constructed of brick, stone, masonry etc over 1.2 metres high requires a building permit.

A timber or steel frame front fence over 1.5 metres high requires a building permit. 

Most front fences over 1.5 metres in height will also require a Council Consent.

The only exception to this is for fences facing a 'Declared Road'. (Declared Road - freeway or arterial road under the Road Management Act 2004. Use Building Information Request Form to apply for this information). In this case, Council Consent is required for fences over 2.0m in height.

Height is measured above the footpath level.

Barbed wire must be at least 150 mm back from the street alignment, or at least 2.0m above the street level.

A Street Occupation Permit is required where works are undertaken beyond the property boundary (eg from footpath or nature strip).

Council Consent & Report is required for barriers beyond the street alignment for protection of the public during construction.

Corner Fences

Any part of a fence located within 9m of a point of intersection of street alignments (corner fences) can only be constructed up to 1.0m in height.

Both Council Consent and a building permit are required to construct a higher fence.

Council Consent and a Building Permit

A Council Consent and a Building Permit are required for: 
  • Front fences generally over 1.5 metres high (or 2.0 metres if facing a 'declared road')
  • Fences on the corner of 2 streets over 1 metre in height within 9 metres of the intersection of the street boundaries.

Swimming Pool and Spa Fence

A Building Permit is always required and all fencing must:
  • Be a minimum height of 1.2 metres
  • Meet specific construction requirements - refer Building Code of Australia Volume 2, Australian Standard 1926.1-2007 

A brochure is available from Customer Service Centres.

Other Notes

  • Gates, screens, roller doors are included in these fence provisions
  • Excavations must be fenced or guarded during construction
  • Some Statutory Planning controls apply

Common Questions

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Building Permit Application - What do I need to provide?
You will require other documentation when applying for your Building Permit.

You may need a Planning Permit or planning approval regardless of whether a building permit is required.

View this question in full




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