Find out what you need to do to build or update your fences to comply with regulations.
Learn about the building permit process and planning permit process
Need to know who owns the property next door?
If you are looking to change your fence, make sure you have first had a conversation with your neighbour. If you don't know you can find out who owns the property next door.
When do you need a permit?
Not all fences need a permit so it's important to check with us. You need a building permit and possibly a planning permit or other approvals to build or update a:
- front fence that is within 3 metres of an allotment boundary facing a street alignment and is of
- Brick or masonry (including brick piers) and greater than 1.2 metres in height; and
- Timber or other lightweight construction and greater than 1.5 metres in height.
- boundary fence, such as side or rear fencing that separates properties if the fence is greater than 2 metres in height.
It's also important to be aware:
- if you live in the General Residential Zone 1 (GRZ1) as this means your front fence is restricted to a maximum height of 1.2 metres.
- If you live on a corner property, any fencing located within 9 metres of the street intersection is restricted to a maximum height of 1 metre - shown in this diagram:
Designing a fence outside these regulations?
If your proposed fence design is outside of these regulations, you need to get special permission from us as well as a building permit from your building surveyor.
How to check if your property is in the General Residential Zone 1 (GRZ1)?
What happens after building a fence?
Know your rights and responsibilities - here are a couple of resources to be aware of:
- View the Fences Act 1968
To understand you rights and responsibilities - Fencing law in Victoria
Understand your responsibilities on boundary fencing
What if you have a dispute with your neighbour?
If you and your neighbour have a dispute about a shared fence, contact the Dispute Settlement Centre for help dealing with your issue.