Fences rules in Stirling
Building a fence in Stirling? City of Stirling applies the Western Australia planning framework. Here's what that means locally — plus the overlays worth checking on your specific block.
Depends on your local government's fencing local law
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.
Key rules at a glance
| Max height (front setback) | Typically solid to 1.2 m with visually permeable infill above, up to about 1.8 m, under the R-Codes deemed-to-comply provisions - note a solid masonry element over 0.75 m triggers a building permit |
| Max height (side/rear) | Set by the local fencing local law - commonly a minimum of 1.8 m and a maximum of about 2.4 m for a dividing fence |
| Building permit | Required unless exempt. Where no local fencing law applies, Building Regulations 2012 Schedule 4 exempts a fence only up to 0.75 m if masonry, or 1.8 m if built of another material, and not in cyclonic wind regions C or D - so a solid masonry front fence over 0.75 m needs a building permit |
| Approval needed? | Check your local government's fencing local law first; planning approval is needed if a street fence fails the R-Codes deemed-to-comply test |
| Pool fence | Min 1.2 m, compliant with AS 1926.1; local governments must inspect pool barriers at least every four years |
| Dividing fence law | Dividing Fences Act 1961 |
| Who pays? | Your share is half the cost of a 'sufficient fence' as prescribed by the local government's fencing local law - upgrades above that standard are at your own cost |
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.
Fences in Stirling
City of Stirling is the authority for Stirling in Perth. The statewide Western Australia 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.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need council approval for a fence in Stirling?
Usually yes. In Western Australia, a fence generally needs an application, and City of Stirling is the authority that assesses it. See the full state rules for the pathway and what's required.
Which council approves a fence in Stirling?
City of Stirling is the consent authority for Stirling (Perth). You can review local planning controls on the council website and lodge through your state planning portal.
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.
Sources
- Dividing fences - Government of Western Australia ↗
- Dividing Fences Act 1961 - WA Legislation ↗
- State Planning Policy 7.3 - Residential Design Codes ↗
- Residential Design Codes - Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage ↗
Related building rules
General guidance only — not professional planning advice. Local requirements in Stirling can differ from the statewide summary and change over time; always confirm with City of Stirling before starting work. Last reviewed: July 2026.
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