Fences rules in Hobart

Building a fence in Hobart? City of Hobart applies the Tasmania planning framework. Here's what that means locally — plus the overlays worth checking on your specific block.

Fast-track available

Low-risk work - no permit for a standard fence

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.

Hobart: assessed by City of Hobart under the Tasmania rules below.

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

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 →

Fences in Hobart

City of Hobart is the authority for Hobart in Greater Hobart. The statewide Tasmania 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 Hobart ↗ Full Tasmania rules →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need council approval for a fence in Hobart?

Often not. Tasmania allows a fence to proceed without a full development application when it meets the standards, and City of Hobart 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 Hobart?

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

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.

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

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