Every local council will have its own building regulations and requirements for fencing, so it is best to contact them while you are at the planning stages of your fence construction or repair project.
Having an understanding of regulations and building codes upfront will help you avoid any potential problems and make it easier to keep within your budget and construction timeframe. Here are some things to consider before submitting your proposal to council. Fence regulations generally cover the following areas:
- Height. Height restrictions may apply depending on the material (brick, wood, etc) to be used and location (front, side or corner) of the fence.
- Siting. Consider the location of the fence in relation to the rooms/windows of your house. Some council's have requirements for maintaining daylight to existing room windows.
- Setbacks. Regulations can exist regarding the location of fences from side and rear boundaries.
- Materials. Some materials are prohibited due to heritage conservation, fire prevention, safety or simply style. These can include barbed wire, tea tree and brush fencing, bamboo, and chain wire.
- Form. If your fence is visible from a public place your council may have certain guidelines regarding the maintenance of your fence and the materials used for construction.
A note on dividing fences. A dividing fence is a fence that separates the lands of adjoining owners. Each owner is responsible for half the cost of a basic fence and its maintenance. Any issues or disputes relating to fences located between neighbours are a civil matter. Local Councils do not adjudicate disputes between neighbours. Read our article on Building a neighbour friendly fence for more information on building a fence and the dividing fences act. Contact your local council (see: local council directory) if you have any questions about the regulations and permitting requirements in your area.