Fences rules in Tasmania (2026)

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.

Fast-track available

Low-risk work - no permit for a standard fence

Approval pathway: Two checks. Under the Building Act 2016 the Director's Determination on Categories of Building and Demolition Work puts most fences in Category 1 (low-risk work) needing no building permit or notification, subject to standard limitations. Under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme, a fence within 4.5 m of a frontage that meets the height and transparency acceptable solution needs no planning permit unless a code such as the Local Historic Heritage Code applies.

Key rules at a glance

Max height (front setback)	1.2 m solid within 4.5 m of a frontage, or up to 1.8 m if openings above 1.2 m give uniform transparency of at least 30 per cent
Max height (side/rear)	2.1 m as low-risk building work in materials other than masonry or concrete
Masonry limit	1.2 m for a free-standing masonry or concrete wall as low-risk work; chain link is allowed to 3 m
Approval needed?	No building permit for low-risk fences; a planning permit if you exceed the frontage standards or a heritage code applies
Pool fence	Min 1.2 m, compliant with AS 1926.1 - pool barriers are permit work, not low-risk work
Dividing fence law	Boundary Fences Act 1908
Who pays?	Neighbours contribute half each to erecting or repairing a sufficient boundary fence

Conditions & eligibility

Standard limitations apply to low-risk work - for example fences on landslide hazard land or in an easement fall outside the category
Frontage heights are measured above existing ground level and the 30 per cent transparency excludes posts and uprights
The Local Historic Heritage Code removes the planning exemption for fences at the front of the property
To claim a contribution, serve the prescribed notice on your neighbour at least 21 days before starting work
Your neighbour has 21 days to object; unresolved disputes go to arbitration under the Commercial Arbitration Act 2011
In a city or town a 'sufficient fence' is what neighbours agree on or an arbitrator awards; in rural areas it means a fence able to resist sheep and cattle

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.

HeritageFloodBushfire

Check your address for overlays →

How approval works in Tasmania

Two checks. Under the Building Act 2016 the Director's Determination on Categories of Building and Demolition Work puts most fences in Category 1 (low-risk work) needing no building permit or notification, subject to standard limitations. Under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme, a fence within 4.5 m of a frontage that meets the height and transparency acceptable solution needs no planning permit unless a code such as the Local Historic Heritage Code applies.

Councils administer the local provisions schedules of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme, so heritage and specific area overlays can tighten the frontage fence rules in your street.

Fences rules by council in Tasmania

Local councils apply the Tasmania framework and can add their own controls. Pick your council:

Hobart Launceston

Frequently asked questions

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.

Does my neighbour have to pay half the fence in Tasmania?

Yes. Under the Boundary Fences Act 1908 adjoining owners each pay half the cost of erecting or repairing a sufficient boundary fence, unless they agree otherwise.

How are fencing disputes resolved in Tasmania?

Unlike other states there is no tribunal for fences. If your neighbour objects within 21 days of your notice and you cannot agree, the dispute goes to arbitration under the Commercial Arbitration Act 2011 and the arbitrator's award is binding.

Sources

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

Related building rules

This is general guidance, not professional planning advice. Figures are summarised from the sources above and can change — confirm with your council or the CBOS - categories of building work before starting work. Last reviewed: July 2026.

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