Building a fence

The State Government regulates boundary fencing.

The Fences Act 1968 contains rules about:

• who pays for a dividing fence
• the type of fence that can built
• notices that neighbours need to give one another 
• how to resolve potential disputes when discussing fencing works with a neighbour.

If you have questions about boundary fences refer to the Disputes Settlement Centre of Victoria website.

Council is not the regulator for boundary fencing. However, you will need a planning permit if certain overlays apply to your property (e.g. Significant landscape overlay, Erosion Management Overlay, Heritage Overlay or Land Subject to Inundation Overlay etc).

Fencing on sites within the Significant Landscape Overlay Schedule 1-6 may need a planning permits for a fence which is not post and wire and more than 1.80 metres in height.

Find out if you need a planning permit with our online planning tool.

Depending on the type of fence you are proposing to build, you may also need a building permit.  Find out more about building permits for fences.

The Victorian Government’s Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria have information on issues and disputes on boundary fencing on their website. Alternatively, please call them on 1300 372 888.

Council is not involved in these disputes.

A Notice to Fence sets out your proposal for construction or repair of a dividing fence or other works. You will need to fill out information about:

• the line on which the works should be carried out (the boundary line)
• the type of works
• the contractor
• a cost estimate, and
• how much neighbours should contribute.

You can hand the Notice to Fence to your neighbour directly but it is recommended you utilise registered post, so you can show that you sent it and the day it was received.

We can provide the name and address of adjoining property owners for the purpose of contacting them to construct or repair a fence. To comply with Privacy laws, you will need to complete Request your neighbours details form.