Spring is finally here. The weather is mild, dry, and perfect for installing that fence you’ve thought about for some time.
But there are a few critical things that you should know before settling for your fence regulations: material, design, and size.
The councils in Victoria all have fencing regulations, which aren’t always the same.
Adhering to these requirements is crucial because they’ll save you from the inconvenience of having to tear your fence down once a council official visits.
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Unsure about your next building project? Get expert advice, no strings attached! Take advantage of our FREE consultation at SQM Architects. We’re here to answer your queries and bring clarity to your vision. With our transparent process and reputable track record, your project is in capable hands.
The laws cover different construction aspects, but today, we’ll focus on the fence height regulations in Victoria.
Do You Need a Permit For a Fence in Victoria?
The answer to this question is both yes and no, depending on the characteristics of the fence you desire.
Also, some fences require a building permit and others a planning permit. Others require both.
Front Fences
If you desire a front wall whose height exceeds 1.5m for timber and 1.2m for masonry, you’ll need to get a report and consent from your local council first.
If your property lies on an undeclared road, you’ll also require a building permit for your front fence.
For example, if your property is in Knox City, you’ll need a building permit and Report & Consent permit for a front fence over 1m tall or a front fence within 9m from an intersection. You don’t need a permit if your front fence falls under the stipulated regulations.
Boundary Fences
Any boundary fence with a trellis or one that exceeds these parameters will require a building permit and Report & Consent permit from the local council.
Other Fences
The other common types of fences are corner and swimming pool fences.
You don’t need a permit if your corner fence is:
- 1m high if it lies within 9m from a road intersection
- 1.5m high along a boundary fence
- 2m along a side street boundary
You’ll also need a permit for any fence surrounding a swimming pool, children’s play area, or outdoor area.
Also, you’ll need a building permit if you wish to install a barbed wire fence next to a street alignment.
What is the Standard Height of a Fence in Victoria?
The standard height of a fence depends on the type of fence you wish to construct.
Front Fences
Most councils in Victoria won’t demand any license for any steel or timber picket front fence, such as the one shown below, as long as it’s not more than 1.5m high and maintains visual transparency.
The limit for front fences made from masonry is a little bit lower at 1.2m high. Sometimes they might not require a planning permit but will require structural engineering design and certification for a building permit as they deemed it as structural works. Masonry includes materials such as:
- Concrete panels
- Bricks
- Concrete blocks
- Hebel blocks
- Hebel panels
If you desire to use barbed wire for your front fence, you must place it at least 2m away from the street.
Boundary Fence
The average boundary fence height in Victoria for which you won’t need a permit is 2m.
But the revised consolidated regulations allow you to construct up to a maximum of 3.6m high.
Note that the section of your boundary fence within a 3m distance from your front fence mustn’t exceed 1.5m high. This restriction has been implemented to prevent the boundary wall from obstructing drivers’ views, thereby endangering children and pets.
Most boundary fences in Victoria have a height of between 1.6m and 1.8m. Meanwhile, the standard height for back fences that are part of the boundary fence is 2m.
Other Types of Fences
The fence around a spa or swimming pool shouldn’t be over 1.2m high.
If your property is within a General Residential Zone 1, also known as GRZ1, your fence can’t exceed 1.2m.
Note: Roller doors, screens, and gates must adhere to the height requirements of the fences next to them. When excavating for your fence, ensure that you guard or fence it during construction.
Why Do Fence Height Regulations in Victoria Matter to Property Developers?
Adhering to height regulations will shield you from financial losses when the council asks you to pull down the fence. It may also shield you from legal action should the local council decide to take legal action against contraveners.
Additionally, knowing about the current regulations will guide you on how to install your fence. As you plan for your fence, keep in mind that:
- Different local councils may have different height regulations
- Fence material, height, and location determine whether planning and building permits are required
Different Local Councils May Have Different Height Regulations
Although we have covered the regulations you’ll likely need to obey, you still need to visit your local council for specific regulations.
Alternatively, speak to professional architects such as SQM Architects.
An example of differences in regulations is Wyndham City which allows you to build your back border fence to a height of 3.6m. Yet you can’t build a border fence beyond 2m high in Ballarat City.
Fence Material Height and Location Determines Whether You’ll Need Building Permits
As established earlier, the council’s laws on fencing depend on the location and material used. For instance, front fences are generally shorter than border fences. The distance of your fence from an intersection will determine its maximum height.
Generally, councils allow you to build timber front fences up to 1.5m high but limit concrete fences, such as the one shown below, to 1.2m high.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal height for a fence in Victoria?
The council typically allows you to construct a fence of up to 2m high. But if you get a permit for a privacy fence, you can build up to 2.5m high.
How high can I build my front fence in Victoria?
The council allows you to build your front fence of up to 1.2m high. If you require a taller fence, you’ll have to seek permission from your neighbours and the council.
What are the regulations on pool fence height in Victoria?
The acceptable height for a pool fence is 1.2m. Additionally, your fence mustn’t have anything climbable within 90cm from its outer edge.
Talk to the Experts
Do you find many fence height regulations from your council complicated? Are you still confused about where to start the cumbersome process?
Contact SQM Architects today, and we’ll make your construction process a lot easier. We’ll guide you through the entire process, from complying with the council’s fence height regulations to constructing the fence.
How to gain professional insights for FREE, no strings attached
Unsure about your next building project? Get expert advice, no strings attached! Take advantage of our FREE consultation at SQM Architects. We’re here to answer your queries and bring clarity to your vision. With our transparent process and reputable track record, your project is in capable hands.
About the Author
Sammi Lian, the founder of SQM Architects, has dedicated over 15 years of her career to the architectural industry. She works diligently with property developers, builders, investors, and homeowners, using her skills and knowledge to facilitate their building design needs.
