Fences rules in Canberra

Building a fence in Canberra? ACT Government (Territory Plan) applies the Australian Capital Territory planning framework. Here's what that means locally — plus the overlays worth checking on your specific block.

Fast-track available

Side and rear fences exempt to 2.3 m; front fences need a DA

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.

Canberra: assessed by ACT Government (Territory Plan) under the Australian Capital Territory rules below.

Approval pathway: Exemptions sit in the Planning (General) Regulation 2023 and the Planning (Exempt Development) Single Dwelling Housing Code 2023, made under the Planning Act 2023. Side and rear fences behind the front building line, property demarcation up to 400 mm, hedges, and like-for-like repairs of an approved fence are all exempt. A development application is needed if the fence exceeds the exemption, faces the street, or sits on a boundary with unleased Territory land. Most fences do not need building approval, but a survey is recommended so the fence lands on the boundary.

Key rules at a glance

Max height (front setback)	Street-facing front fences are generally not exempt - a development application is required
Max height (side/rear)	2.3 m above natural ground level, behind the front building line
Approval needed?	No DA for a compliant side or rear fence; a DA for front fences, taller fences, or fences abutting unleased Territory land
Building approval	Not needed for most fences and walls
Pool fence	Min 1.2 m, compliant with AS 1926.1
Dividing fence law	Common Boundaries Act 1981
Who pays?	Costs are generally shared equally between adjoining occupiers; the ACT Government does not fund fences on leased land

Overlays can change your eligibility

Heritage, flood and bushfire controls on your specific lot can remove the fast-track and require a full application — even when the general rules say you're fine.

HeritageFlood

Check your address for overlays →

Fences in Canberra

ACT Government (Territory Plan) is the authority for Canberra in Australian Capital Territory. The statewide Australian Capital Territory rules above set the baseline; the council can apply extra local controls, and heritage, flood or bushfire overlays on your lot can change what's allowed.

Visit ACT Government (Territory Plan) ↗ Full Australian Capital Territory rules →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need council approval for a fence in Canberra?

Often not. Australian Capital Territory allows a fence to proceed without a full development application when it meets the standards, and ACT Government (Territory Plan) follows that framework. But local overlays — heritage, flood or bushfire — can remove the fast-track, so check your exact address before you rely on it.

Which council approves a fence in Canberra?

ACT Government (Territory Plan) is the consent authority for Canberra (Australian Capital Territory). You can review local planning controls on the council website and lodge through your state planning portal.

How high can a fence be in the ACT?

A side or rear boundary fence between neighbours can be up to 2.3 m above natural ground level as exempt development, as long as it is behind the front building line. Front fences facing the street generally need a development application.

Sources

Last reviewed: July 2026. Rules can change — verify with your council before starting work.

Related building rules

General guidance only — not professional planning advice. Local requirements in Canberra can differ from the statewide summary and change over time; always confirm with ACT Government (Territory Plan) before starting work. Last reviewed: July 2026.

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