If a proposed fence meets the following restrictions, it is classified as exempt development, meaning the development can proceed without planning approval. However if your property is a Heritage Item or is located within the heritage conservation area, removing and replacing your fence cannot be considered as exempt development and will either require a Minor Heritage Works Application or a Development Application. See below for requirements for fencing on a heritage item or within the heritage conservation area.
Height Restrictions:
Side and rear boundary fences must not exceed 1.8 meters in height, or 1.2 meters if constructed from masonry.
Front and secondary road setback fences must not exceed a height of 1.2 metres. For fences along the boundary or within the setback area of a secondary road, at least 20% of the fence above 400 millimetres must be transparent.
Material and Design Requirements:
Gates must not open outwards.
On bushfire-prone land, fences must be constructed of non-combustible materials or hardwood. Any metal parts must be low reflective and factory pre-coloured.
Electrical fencing or barbed wire is not permitted in residential zones, except in zone R5 Large Lot Residential.
Location Restrictions:
Fences cannot be built as exempt development on lots with heritage items or within heritage conservation areas.
They must not be within the setback area of a primary or secondary road in certain zones.
Environmental Considerations:
If the fence is in a Koala habitat area or movement corridor, additional controls may be set by Council. If you are unsure if the proposed area of work is located in a Koala habitat area or movement corridor, please contact Council on 1300 136 833 and speak to our planning team.
Fencing on Heritage Items and in the Heritage Conservation Area
Fencing on heritage items and in the heritage conservation area is an important component of maintaining the character of an item and the streetscape. New fencing needs to complement the style and character of both the building and the streetscape.
Front fencing is generally low in height and decorative in comparison to side and rear fences. Side fences should reduce in height between the front building line and the front boundary.
Requirements for front boundary fences are:
- To be constructed of timber picket, timber and wire mesh, brick or wrought iron or brick and wire mesh or a combination of these materials depending on the era the property
- There shall be a minimum of 50% transparency and the height shall not exceed 1.2m
Please note that colorbond fencing, metal fencing panels and solid masonry brick fencing is not permitted on heritage sites or within the conservation area forward of the building line.
Examples of fencing styles based on time period:
It is important to speak to Council about your proposed fencing prior to commencing any removal or works and to understand if your proposed new fencing will be supported.
If your proposed fencing is inline with the above requirements and is sympathetic to the existing character and style of your property then you will be able to submit a “minor heritage works application form” however if your proposed fencing is not inline with the above, you will be required to submit a development application.
Note: Any disagreements between neighbours regarding fences is an issue under the Dividing Fences Act 1991 and not an issue Council can assist with. In addition, Council does not contribute to the cost of fencing, wherein a fence is proposed along a private boundary and a boundary of council land.