
In this diagram, Section 1 indicates the parts of the fence that could obstruct views of traffic when fencing is higher than 1m from the footpath level. Section 2 indicates the parts of the fence unaffected by this height restriction
You may need a Planning Permit, a Building Permit or both to replace or build a front fence.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also need a:
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 your zone, the number of dwellings on the property and the fence's height and materials.
If you are building a side or rear fence, see Replace or build a side or rear fence.
Before finalising your design:
If you are replacing a fence you may need a Planning or Building Permit for the demolition of the existing fence. To determine which permits you need for demolition, see Demolish all or part of a building.
Contact Statutory Planning or Building Services for general enquiries, or if you need help with either a Planning or Building Permit.
Consider whether you will be replacing or building an entire front fence, or whether you will be repairing a small piece of fencing material to keep the structure in good condition.
For example, replacing some damaged pickets is regarded as routine repair and maintenance.
If you are unsure whether your works are considered routine repair and maintenance, contact Statutory Planning.
Go to VicPlan and search for the address of your property.
Follow the prompts to create and open a free Planning Property Report.
If the property is on the Victorian Heritage Register:
Refer to the map from VicPlan to see whether the land on which you plan to build the fence is in an Environmental Significance Overlay.
If so, consider the materials out of which the fence will be built. Unless the fence is post and wire, you will need Planning permission.
Refer to the map from VicPlan to see whether the land on which you plan to build the fence is in Land Subject to Inundation Overlay.
If so, consider the materials out of which the fence will be built. Unless the fence is post and wire, or post and rail, you will need Planning permission.
Consider whether your front fence will be built either on property with more than one dwelling or a property in a common area.
Before building a front fence on property that has multiple dwellings or is in a common area, you need to be aware of whether the fence will face a declared road.
Look at the report from VicPlan to see if your property is located n a Residential Zone.
Refer to the Certificate of Title (available from the Landata website) and calculate the area of the lot using the title boundary dimensions.
See whether the area is under 500sqm. If it is, you need planning permission when the height of your fence exceeds:
Refer to the map from VicPlan. See whether you are planning to build the fence in any of the following:
If so, contact our Statutory Planning team on 9278 4888 to determine whether you need a Planning Permit for your works.
If you have determined that you need a Planning Permit for your project:
A Planning Permit application for a front fence is eligible to be assessed as a VicSmart application if your land is affected by any of the following:
For non-VicSmart applications:
Cost of development | Fee |
---|---|
Less than $10,000 | $199.90 |
$10,000 to $100,000 | $629.40 |
For VicSmart applications:
Cost of development | Fee |
---|---|
$10,000 or less | $199.90 |
More than $10,000 | $429.50 |
Refer to your plans to determine the height and location of the front fence.
A front fence obstructs the view of traffic if it is
Consider whether any part of your front fence will be constructed from masonry (brick, concrete or stone). This includes fences that are masonry only, as well as fences that contain some masonry components.
Measure the height of the masonry fencing from the top of the fence to natural ground level.
Masonry fencing that is 1.2m or higher requires a Building Permit.
'Lightweight' fencing is any fencing not constructed from masonry. Lightweight fencing includes timber, colourbond or metal.
Measure the height from the top of the fence to natural ground level. Lightweight fencing that is 1.5m or higher requires a Building Permit.
The front fence materials and height and the property's declared road status all impact whether you will need Report and Consent for your project.
For masonry (brick, concrete or stone) fencing:
Fence height |
Is the front fence on a declared road? |
Do I need Report and Consent? |
---|---|---|
From 1.2m to 1.5m |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
|
From 1.5m to 2m |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
2m or more |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
For lightweight (non-masonry) fencing:
Fence height |
Is the front fence on a declared road? |
Do I need Report and Consent? |
---|---|---|
From 1.5m to 2m |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
2m or more |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
You may lodge the application for a Building Permit while other permit applications are still being processed, but may only begin construction when all required permits and approvals are granted.
See whether there are any other permits you need for your project.
Consider whether you need to apply for other permits for your works.
If you need to:
If your works could:
After all permits have been granted, you may begin construction.
You may exit the guide.