Confused? Here’s what you need to do and who you can contact to find out your local council regulations when it comes to fencing projects!
What are fencing regulations?
Sometimes, there are local council regulations that specify certain limits or requirements when it comes to fencing; these are known as fencing regulations.
Each local council will have its own rules; some have very few limits, whilst others may be quite specific about heights, materials, setbacks or design.
Do I need council approval for my fencing project?
Usually, if you are simply replacing a fence with one of a similar height and placement, it should be a fairly straightforward process, with most councils not requiring formal permissions.
If your fencing project includes a design with taller heights, or you are in a suburb with strict aesthetic controls (such as community developments or heritage areas), you are more likely to have detailed regulations to adhere to.
With any fencing project, we do advise that you get in touch with your local council and simply ask if there are any fence regulations you need to know about. By making this your first step, you can be confident that you are designing the right fence from the get-go!
Guide: Dividing Fences Acts across Australia
Speak with your neighbours
Most importantly, speak with your neighbours! They will be most impacted by your choices and should be consulted early in the process, to avoid any tensions later on.
If you need some advice on how to navigate these negotiations, read our guide on how to mitigate neighbourly fencing disputes!
If you are replacing a dividing fence, you can also find our simple summary of Dividing Fences Acts across Australia, which detail your rights and responsibilities when it comes to the upkeep or replacement of these shared assets.
Find your local council regulations
Not sure who to contact? Use the state indexes below to find your local council’s website.
They may have resources online detailing their fencing regulations, or you may have to get in touch and request the information; either way, you will receive the specific advice regarding any questions you may have.
- NSW Local Councils
- NT Local Councils
- QLD Local Councils
- SA Local Councils
- TAS Local Councils
- VIC Local Councils
- WA Local Councils
Case Study: DIY modular wall negates cost, time and hassle of council approvals
What type of fencing does a modular wall fall under?
Even though we emulate a rendered brick aesthetic, ModularWalls actually fall under the post-and-rail system; which have far less restrictions than traditional masonry!
In fact, our founder, Nick Holden, invented the very first modular wall in 2002, after council denied his request to build a brick front wall for his home. Instead of admitting defeat and settling for the standard white picket fence, he created a product that followed council’s requirements for a simple post-and-rail fence system, but looked like a solid brick wall!
To this day, our customers reap the benefits of achieving the premium aesthetic of a rendered wall, whilst negating the usual council approvals for masonry.
Does ModularWalls handle council approvals?
With all the unique requirements of each local council, and all the separate factors that your project may hold, we find it best to leave this step with you. This way, you are in complete control of your fencing project and can be confident that your design is to regulation.
However, we are more than happy to provide you with any additional resources or information you may need. Simply let our sales consultants know what you need and we can help you.
