Fence rules in Australia
Two completely separate sets of rules apply to a fence. Planning and building law decides how high you can build before you need approval - very roughly 1.2 m at the front and 1.8 to 2.1 m along the side and rear, though every state draws the line differently. A separate state Act governs money: it sets out how you give your neighbour notice and when they must pay half the cost of a 'sufficient' dividing fence.
The short version
- Approval and cost-sharing are governed by different laws - meeting the height limit does not entitle you to your neighbour's money, and vice versa.
- Front fences are almost always capped lower than side and rear fences, usually around 1.2 m to 1.5 m, because of streetscape and sightline concerns.
- Side and rear dividing fences are generally exempt up to 1.8 m (NSW), 2 m (VIC, QLD), 2.1 m (SA, TAS) or 2.3 m (ACT).
- Masonry and brick fences hit a much lower trigger than timber or Colorbond - often 0.75 m to 1.2 m before approval is needed.
- Every state and territory has a dividing fences Act, and the default in all of them is that adjoining owners split the cost of a sufficient fence 50/50 - anything fancier is at the requester's expense.
- Pool barriers are a separate legal regime: at least 1.2 m high, gaps under 100 mm, a 900 mm non-climbable zone and a self-closing, self-latching gate under AS 1926.1.
Fences rules by state
Frameworks differ across Australia. Pick your state for the size limits, setbacks, approval pathway and FAQs — then check your address for overlays.
Most residential fences in NSW are exempt development under the Codes SEPP, so no DA or CDC is needed - up to 1.8 m behind the building line and 1.2 m in front of it. Masonry is capped at 1.2 m anywhere, and the exemption switches off on heritage items and in heritage conservation areas.
Fences rules in NSW →In Victoria a timber or Colorbond fence needs no building permit if it is no more than 2 m on side and rear boundaries, no more than 1.5 m within 3 m of the street, and no more than 1 m within 9 m of a street intersection. Brick or masonry fences over 1.2 m, and any pool barrier, always need a permit.
Fences rules in VIC →A domestic fence up to 2 m above natural ground level needs no building approval anywhere in Queensland. Over 2 m - or if the fence forms part of a regulated pool barrier - you need building approval from a private building certifier.
Fences rules in QLD →In South Australia a fence up to 2.1 m high is exempt from development approval, measured from the lower of the two adjoining finished ground levels. Masonry is the big exception - any part formed from masonry, including piers and columns, is only exempt to 1 m.
Fences rules in SA →WA is the one state where the rules are genuinely local: each local government makes a fencing local law that defines a 'sufficient fence' and sets heights and materials. As a general baseline, a non-masonry fence up to 1.8 m outside cyclonic wind regions does not need a building permit, and street-facing fences are usually solid to 1.2 m with visually permeable infill above.
Fences rules in WA →Tasmania treats most fences as low-risk building work needing no permit: up to 2.1 m in timber or Colorbond, 1.2 m in masonry or concrete, and up to 3 m for chain link. Near the street the planning scheme also applies - solid fences are capped at 1.2 m within 4.5 m of the frontage, or 1.8 m if the part above 1.2 m is at least 30 per cent transparent.
Fences rules in TAS →In the ACT a side or rear boundary fence between neighbours is exempt development up to 2.3 m above natural ground level, provided it sits behind the front building line. Street-facing front fences are generally not permitted as exempt development and need a development application.
Fences rules in ACT →The NT does not publish a single statewide fence height limit the way the other states do. Building control is territory-wide rather than council-run, and the trigger is structural: a fence that has to resist cyclonic wind loading generally needs building certification, while certain minor Class 10 structures are exempt under Building Note 114.
Fences rules in NT →Frequently asked questions
How high can a fence be in NSW without council approval?
Up to 1.8 m above existing ground level behind the building line, and up to 1.2 m forward of the building line or in a road setback. Masonry is limited to 1.2 m anywhere.
How high can a fence be in Victoria without a permit?
Generally 2 m on side and rear boundaries and 1.5 m within 3 m of the street, dropping to 1 m within 9 m of a corner intersection. Brick or masonry over 1.2 m needs a building permit.
How high can a fence be in Queensland without approval?
Up to 2 m above natural ground level for a domestic fence on an existing house lot. Above 2 m you need building approval from a private certifier, and the height includes any retaining wall underneath.
How high can a fence be in WA?
There is no single statewide figure. Dividing fences are commonly 1.8 m and street fences are usually solid to 1.2 m with permeable infill above; the binding number comes from your local government's fencing local law and the R-Codes.
How high can a fence be in SA without council approval?
Up to 2.1 m, measured from the lower of the two adjoining finished ground levels. A masonry fence, including masonry piers, is only exempt to 1 m.
How high can a fence be in Tasmania without a permit?
Up to 2.1 m for a timber or Colorbond fence as low-risk building work, and 1.2 m for a free-standing masonry or concrete wall. Within 4.5 m of the street a solid fence is capped at 1.2 m, or 1.8 m if it is at least 30 per cent transparent above 1.2 m.
Related building rules
This page summarises statewide rules for general guidance only and is not professional planning advice. Requirements vary by council and change over time — always confirm with your local council or a qualified planner. Last reviewed: July 2026.
Get free quotes
Tell us what you're building. We'll connect you with licensed local builders and designers who know the council requirements — no obligation, no cost.
- Licensed, local trades
- Compare quotes before you commit
- No cost, no obligation