You may need a Planning Permit, a Building Permit or both to replace or build a side or rear fence.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also need a:
- Tree Works Permit
- Road or Footpath Occupancy Permit
- Vehicular Crossing Permit
- Asset Protection Permit
How to use this guide
To help you work out which permits you need, begin at Step 1 and answer the questions one at a time. You may be asked to look at zoning information, and to assess the height, materials and purpose of the fence.
If you are building a new front fence, see our Replace or build a new front fence page.
More information
For information about planning and Planning Permits, contact our Statutory Planning team on (03) 9278 4888 or at [email protected].
For information about building and Building Permits, contact our Building Services team on (03) 9278 4999 or at [email protected].
Before you begin
Before finalising your design:
- Check whether your project involves removing, pruning or carrying out works near a protected tree. You may need a permit for the tree works.
- Check for easements on your property. When an easement is obstructed, it can prevent important maintenance work and block the flow of stormwater. If your plans impact an easement, it may be necessary to modify your plans.
- See if the property is listed under Schedule to Clause 51.01 Specific Sites and Exclusions. If the property is listed, contact Statutory Planning on (03) 9278 4888 to find out about special restrictions and exemptions that apply.
If you are replacing a fence you may need a Planning or Building Permit to demolish the existing fence. To determine which permits you need for demolition, see our Demolish all or part of a building page.
Consent from both owners is required to replace a common boundary fence. For information about resolving boundary fencing disputes between neighbours, see our Disputes over side fences page.