You may need a building permit to construct a front, side, back or corner fence on your property.
All fences must meet the Building Regulations 2006 and any covenants that may exist on the Title, regardless of whether a building permit is required.
Find out if your fence construction needs a building permit
The following information outlines what you need to consider depending on the position if the fence you are building.
Adding screening to your fence
If you want to attach screening to your side or back fence, it must still meet the height limits specified in the Building Regulations 2006.
As fences between properties are jointly owned by neighbours, you may also need your neighbour's permission, in accordance with the Fences Act.
Find out if your fence construction needs a building permit
Side and back fences
Side and back fences between adjoining properties can be up to two metres high.
This advice does not apply if your property title includes a covenant that controls side boundary fencing heights.
You will require a building permit for any fence higher than the two metre limit. You will also need to meet certain Building Regulation height and length limits for fences higher than two metres.
If your fence exceeds these regulation limits, you will need to apply for siting consent.
Apply for Council siting consent
Apply for a building permit
Front fence
Front fence heights are controlled either by the Building Regulations 2006 or with a covenant on Title.
Check when you need a building permit for a front fence.
Corner fence
Corner properties have additional requirements for front and side fencing.
Fences can only be constructed up to:
- one metre high within nine metres of the point of intersection
- one and a half metres on the front boundary
- two metres on the side boundary.
See the illustration below for example.
However, where a covenant on Title exists on corner fencing, then this covenant may override the above requirements.
View a diagram of the maximum allowable heights for corner front fencing(PDF, 50KB).
Fences bordering on Council-owned land
If your property borders onto Council-owned land, contact us for fencing advice on 03 9217 2170.
If you are a property owner, you and your neighbour have equal responsibility for the dividing fence on your land.
For more information, see the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria website.
The only help we can offer in fence matters is providing the name and mailing address of your neighbouring property owners in writing.
Request neighbour's contact details
Please allow up to five business days to process this application.
If you are applying for this information as an agent or contractor on behalf of the owner, you must attach the owner's consent that allows you to act on their behalf, otherwise, details will not be provided.
The information we provide can only be used for fencing matters stated on the application form. No other personal information will be provided about the neighbour. We provide these details in accordance with the Privacy and Data Collection Act 2014.
To enquire about the progress of an application, call our Rates department on 03 9217 2170.
Disputes with neighbours relating to fences located between properties are a civil matter and should be handled by you and your neighbours.
We have no power to act in disputes regarding fencing.
If you need support with a dispute about a dividing fence, contact the Dispute Settlement Centre.
Phone: 1300 372 888
Visit the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria website.