Australian fencing standards apply to pool fencing, dividing fences and other fences in Australia. They refer to aspects such as fence heights and materials. Check with your local council or fence builder to ensure your new fence is compliant.
Whether you're renovating a property or building a new one, you'll need to build fences for security, safety, and 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 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.
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.
Regarding Australian Standards for fencing, these regulations are necessary to ensure that fencing will keep people safe and do the jobs they need.
You may read that Australian Standards are not legal documents but 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 ensure you're not doing anything illegal.
Pool Fencing Standards And Facts
Australians love 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 increased 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 be at most 100 millimetres.
No climbable objects or structures should exist 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, contact your local council, state government or building authority to confirm that your fencing meets current laws and legislation.
Dividing Fence Regulations By State
A dividing fence is a structure that separates your land from your neighbour's land. State governments set Australian fencing standards for dividing fences to regulate the building and maintenance of these fences, and these can vary.
The information below was correct at the time of writing. Still, we advise you to conduct your research and contact your relevant government authority to ensure 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. Some fencing materials are not permitted under heritage protection laws.
For more information on dividing fences in NSW, 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 must 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 slightly 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 exempt from building approvals.
Specific 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 meter 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.
You can refer to the Fences Act for more information about fencing legislation in the NT.
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 more straightforward 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 offense.
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 above 2.1 metres.
Your property is on a corner and has more than one frontage.
For information about dividing fencing standards in Tasmania, refer to the Boundary Fences Act 1908.
Dividing Fence Rules And Standards - South Australia
Like every other state, the process must involve your neighbour when erecting a boundary fence in South Australia. You should check with your local council or state government 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
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 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 building a fence and even seeking out materials, as some councils will only let you build a fence once 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 contractor will also be able to help you gain council approval, as well as make sure your fence is installed professionally.