Fences rules in Canterbury-Bankstown

Building a fence in Canterbury-Bankstown? City of Canterbury-Bankstown applies the New South Wales planning framework. Here's what that means locally — plus the overlays worth checking on your specific block.

Fast-track available

Usually no approval needed within the exempt heights

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.

Canterbury-Bankstown: assessed by City of Canterbury-Bankstown under the New South Wales rules below.

Approval pathway: The exempt development standards for fences sit in the General Exempt Development Code of State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 and are set by zone; separate complying development standards apply under the Housing Code. Meet every standard and no approval of any kind is required. Exceed a height, use masonry above 1.2 m, or build on a heritage item, in a conservation area or on environmentally sensitive land, and you need a Development Application to council. A pool barrier is separately regulated under the Swimming Pools Act 1992 regardless of planning approval.

Key rules at a glance

Max height (front setback)	1.2 m above existing ground level forward of the building line, or in the setback to a primary or secondary road
Max height (side/rear)	1.8 m above existing ground level behind the building line
Masonry limit	No masonry construction above 1.2 m - a taller brick or block fence needs a DA
Approval needed?	No DA or CDC if every exempt standard is met; a DA to council otherwise
Pool fence	Min 1.2 m, compliant with AS 1926.1; a boundary fence used as part of the barrier must be at least 1.8 m
Dividing fence law	Dividing Fences Act 1991
Who pays?	Adjoining owners contribute equally to a 'sufficient dividing fence'; anything above that standard is at the requesting owner's cost

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 Canterbury-Bankstown

City of Canterbury-Bankstown is the authority for Canterbury-Bankstown in Sydney. The statewide New South Wales 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 City of Canterbury-Bankstown ↗ Full New South Wales rules →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need council approval for a fence in Canterbury-Bankstown?

Often not. New South Wales allows a fence to proceed without a full development application when it meets the standards, and City of Canterbury-Bankstown 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 Canterbury-Bankstown?

City of Canterbury-Bankstown is the consent authority for Canterbury-Bankstown (Sydney). You can review local planning controls on the council website and lodge through your state planning portal.

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.

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 Canterbury-Bankstown can differ from the statewide summary and change over time; always confirm with City of Canterbury-Bankstown before starting work. Last reviewed: July 2026.

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