Building a fence

If you are planning to build or repair a boundary fence on your property, there are a few things you need to do before commencing works:

1. talk to any adjoining neighbours that may be affected by the fencing works
2. determine whether you need a building permit to build or repair your fence
3. determine whether you need any additional permits such as:
   1. a planning permit
   2. report and consent
   3. a protection work notice (please note that your building surveyor will advise if you require a protection work notice)

If you are planning to build or repair a boundary fence on your property, you need to talk to your neighbours before work begins.

You can ask us to supply you with the contact details of the owners of adjoining properties for the purpose of fencing by filling in the form below.

A building permit is required for the following types of fences:

• front fences greater than 1.2 (if masonry) or 1.5 (if light-weight timber or steel)
• boundary fences greater than 2.0 m
• fencing as part of a pool barrier.

Use the table below to determine whether you need a permit to build or repair a fence. If you are ready to apply for a permit, visit the apply for a building permit page.

Before commencing any major works, please check a current certificate of title for your property for any restrictions regarding allowable fence heights for your property.

Note 1

For more information, refer to part 5 of the Victorian Building Regulations. The regulations detail siting requirements, wall height restrictions, setbacks, etc. that must be adhered to. If your fencing works fall outside the requirements listed in part 5 of the Victorian Building Regulations, you will need to apply for report and consent.

Note 2

A planning permit may be required in lieu of a report and consent if it is sited within a specific planning overlay. For further information visit do I need a planning permit?

Note 3

Please contact the Building Department as the requirements will vary depending on the location of the pool, height of the fence and the specific property address.

A corner allotment is a lot with two street frontages. Usually one frontage is selected to be the front of the house. There are strict regulations around fences on corner allotments, as we need to ensure safety and visibility for traffic on the intersecting roads.

You may need to apply for report and consent from Council before you can build a fence, if:

• the fence on your corner allotment is over 1m in height and within 9m of an intersection.

Visit Department of Justice and Regulation: Fencing law in Victoria website for information relating to:

• your responsibilities
• sending a fencing notice to the owner of the adjoining property
• who pays for the fence
• types of fences.

Other resources

For enquiries please contact our Property and Rates Department on 03 5734 6200.