2023 Australian Fencing Standards And Laws Explained

Whether you're renovating a property or building a new one, you'll probably need to build fences for security, safety, privacy or to create a boundary around your home. As simple as this may sound, there are many Australian fencing standards and rules that your new fences need to adhere to.

Fence standards vary depending on their materials, height, location and other factors. To help you understand what regulations apply to your project, we've put together this article on current Australian fencing standards. Find out more about:

• What are Australian Standards?
• Pool fencing standards
• Dividing fence regulations by state
• General standards for fencing materials
• Fence height standards
• Getting quotes for fencing

What are Australian Standards?

Australian Standards are documents that provide guidelines and specifications to ensure that products and services available in Australia are safe, reliable and work as intended. Standards Australia is the non-government organisation responsible for setting and reviewing these standards, which are all based on extensive research.

When it comes to Australian Standards for fencing, these regulations are necessary to ensure that fencing will keep people safe and do the jobs you need it do.

You may read that Australian Standards are not legal documents, but they are regularly incorporated when creating building rules and legislation. So at the end of the day, you need to do your research or talk to your fence builder to make sure you're not doing anything illegal.

Pool fencing standards and facts

Australians have a real love for backyard pools, but it's important to recognise the dangers they can pose when not isolated by a suitable fence. Poorly erected pool fencing is linked to an increase in child drowning rates, so getting your pool fence right is incredibly important.

Australian fencing standards for pools are covered by AS1926, AS2818 and AS2820, which specify the following:

• Pool gates must be mounted so that they swing out or away from the pool zone. They should also be self-closing, so the gate closes and latches after being opened.
• Pool gate latches should be at least 1.5 metres off the ground or enclosed if below 1.5 metres.
• The height of pool fences and gates should be at least 1.2 metres.
• The gap between vertical pickets should not be more than 100 millimetres.
• There should be absolutely no climbable objects or structures within 900mm of pool fencing.
• All fencing and gates should have a child safety lock.

Many state and territory governments have incorporated these standards into their pool fencing laws, but pool fencing standards can vary by state. For a more detailed rundown of what's required where you live, see our complete pool fencing guide.

Before installing a new pool fence, be sure to contact your local council, state government or building authority to confirm that your fencing meets current laws and legislation.

 

Read more: How much does pool fencing cost?

Dividing fence regulations by state

A dividing fence is a structure that separates your land from your neighbour's land. Australian fencing standards for dividing fences are set by state governments to regulate the building and maintenance of these fences, and these can vary.

The information below was correct at the time of writing, but we advise you to conduct your own research and contact your relevant government authority to make sure that any dividing fence you install meets all the required rules and regulations.

Dividing fence rules and standards - New South Wales

Standards for dividing fences in NSW are covered by the Dividing Fences Act 1991. It's important to note that this act doesn't cover Crown land, public parks, reserves or roads.

Regulations for dividing fences in NSW are affected by factors such as your local LGA and the age of the structure you want to fence around, with some fencing materials not permitted under heritage protection laws.

For more information on dividing fences in NSW, you can refer to Legal Answers, Chapter 7: Dividing fences, a resource compiled by the State Library of NSW. You can also check your local council website or speak to a council representative to understand the guidelines in your area.

Dividing fence rules and standards - Victoria

The Victorian Fences Act 1968 stipulates rules around who pays for a dividing fence, how it should be constructed and how to deal with boundary disputes.

Generally, a building permit will only be required for a side boundary or dividing fence above 2 metres in height. If you need to apply for a building permit, you will need to engage the services of a registered and licensed building surveyor.

Installing an adjoining fence between two properties in Victoria requires collaboration between you and your neighbour.

Dividing fence rules and standards - Queensland

In Queensland, the Neighbourhood Disputes Resolution Act 2011 deals with fencing standards for dividing fences. Building and planning approvals are generally not needed if the fence is:

• Associated with a residential house
• Less than 2 metres high
• Not a swimming pool fence
• Not a retaining wall
• Not restricting water run-off from a property

If your property is on a corner, fencing requirements are a little different. For example, your fence should allow a clear line of sight for drivers and not obstruct any oncoming traffic.

Dividing fence rules and standards - Australian Capital Territory

In the ACT, dividing fences are bound by The Common Boundaries Act. Under current legislation, some small fences are considered Class 10 Structures and are exempt from building approvals.

Certain criteria around building materials apply. For example, if your fence is metal, it should be unperforated and finished in a pre-coloured proprietary finish, with all sharp edges capped.

You can read more about standards for dividing fencing on the ACT planning government website.

Dividing fence rules and standards - Northern Territory

In the NT, you don't need building approval for a fence if it's less than 1 metre high or does not offer wind resistance. What's more, some areas of the NT, such as Darwin, don't require you to have a fence around a residential property.

For more information about fencing legislation in the NT, you can refer to the Fences Act.

Dividing fence rules and standards - Western Australia

in WA, the Dividing Fences Act 1961 outlines the process for sharing the cost of a dividing fence with your neighbours and how to handle disputes. Find out more on the commerce.wa.gov.au site.

In many Western Australian LGAs, brick and masonry fences require a building permit, while simpler dividing fences generally do not. Check with your local government to find out what applies to you, as construction without planning and building approval is an offence.

Dividing fence rules and standards - Tasmania

In Tasmania, you need a planning permit for rear and side fences if:

• The fence height exceeds 1.2 metres and is within 4.5 metres of a frontage.
• The height of your fence is beyond 4.5 metres of frontage and higher than 2.1 metres.
• Your property is on a corner and has more than one frontage.

For information around dividing fencing standards in Tasmania, you can refer to the Boundary Fences Act 1908.

Dividing fence rules and standards - South Australia

When erecting a boundary fence in South Australia, like every other state, the process must involve your neighbour. You should check with your local council or state government about whether your fence needs development approval.

Restrictions generally apply for:

• Masonry fences that exceed 1 metre
• Any other fence higher than 2 metres
• Fences higher than 1 metre and less than 6 metres from a road intersection
• Brush fences

You might also like: Getting approvals checklist

 

General standards for fencing materials

Australian fencing standards also apply to certain fencing materials, such as Colorbond®, metal and timber.

For instance, AS1397 and AS2728 relate to coated mass and paint film thickness on zinc and zinc alloyed fences, while AS1604 outlines how timber, plywood and wood-based products should be treated.

If the fence you choose adheres to these standards, you can be sure that the material is well-made and will stand up to the elements.

Read more: How much does fencing cost?

Fence height standards

Australian fencing standards for fence heights vary from state to state and depend on the type of fence, so it's best to check with your local council. This should be done before you begin the process of building a fence and even seeking out materials, as some councils will not let you build a fence until you have permission.

Getting quotes for fencing

As you can see, fencing standards and laws are complex and vary according to your location and the type of fence you're building.

You can find out what Australian fencing standards apply to you by speaking to your local council. A fencing builder will also be able to help you gain council approval, as well as making sure your fence is installed professionally.

 

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.