Australian Fencing Standards and Laws: A Comprehensive Guide

Types Of Fences

• Dividing fences
• Pool Fencing
• Boundary fencing
• Rural fencing
• Boulder fence
• Gates
• Lapped paling fence
• White picket fence
• Fence posts
• Brush wood fencing

What Are Australian Fencing Standards?

Australian fencing standards are designed to ensure the safety, durability, and legality of fencing structures across residential and commercial properties. These standards regulate everything from structural integrity to fence height specifications, ensuring compliance across all states. Questions like how high can I build my fence or how high can a fence be in NSW are addressed through clear boundary fence height regulations. Whether you're concerned with the legal fence height between neighbours or normal fence height in a residential setting, it’s essential to follow the rules laid out in state-specific legislation such as the Dividing Fences Act in NSW or the Neighbourhood Disputes Act in QLD.

• AS 1926.1-2012: Safety barriers for swimming pools.
• AS 1926.2-2017: Location of safety barriers for swimming pools.
• AS 1926.3- 2010: Water recirculation systems.
• AS 1926.4-2012: Water features.
• AS 1926.5-2012: Windows and doors.
• AS 1926.6-2007: Fences gates for private swimming pools.
• AS 1926.7-2007: Water recirculation systems- Suction outlets and discharge inlets.
• AS 1926.8-2017: Final elements and clearances.

Pool Fencing Standards And Facts

Across Australia, fencing regulations include specific rules regarding fence height for pool barriers. According to AS 1926.1-2012, the minimum pool fence height should be 1.2 metres. If the structure falls below that, you may not comply with local fencing regulations NSW or those in other states. Residents often ask: How high can a fence be in NSW? or What’s the maximum fence height QLD allows? These questions are crucial to ensure that your fencing solution aligns with regional safety laws.

• Fence height: Minimum of 1.2 m for pool fencing.
• Climbable zones: 90 cm clearance from climbable objects outside the fence.
• Gates: Must be self-closing and self-latching with latches 1.5 m high.
• Clear zones: Clear of trees, shrubs, and furniture near fences.
• Materials: Durable and compliant with pool fencing standards.
• Non-climbable zones: At least 30 cm radius with horizontal members 90 cm apart.
• Ground clearance: No more than 10 cm gap beneath the fence.
• CPR signage: Mandatory near pool areas.
• Inspections: Regular checks required to maintain compliance.
• Pool registration: Pools must be registered with local councils.

Dividing Fence Regulations Based On State

Dividing Fence Rules And Standards - New South Wales

In NSW, fencing regulations are governed by the Dividing Fences Act 1991, covering everything from the normal fence height to legal fence height NSW requirements. A common question from property owners is: How high can a boundary fence be in NSW? The answer often depends on local council regulations, though typically, boundary fence height is capped at 1.8 metres without council approval. Anything exceeding this may require a development application. These rules help define fence heights that are legally acceptable between neighbours.

• Shared costs for construction and repair between neighbours.
• Proper notice must be given before construction starts.
• Encouragement of negotiation and mediation in disputes.
• If a higher or more expensive fence is desired, the additional cost is borne by that party.

Dividing Fence Rules And Standards - Victoria

Guided by the Fences Act 1968, Victoria emphasizes mutual agreement and cost-sharing among property owners. Like NSW, there are expectations around fence heights and the type of materials used. Property owners need to be informed of the boundary fence height norms to ensure compliance and to resolve disputes amicably through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Dividing Fence Rules And Standards - Queensland

In Queensland, the maximum fence height QLD generally allows without needing a permit is up to 2 metres. However, context matters—whether the fence is around a swimming pool, front yard, or boundary line. The Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act 2011 governs all relevant scenarios. Questions like how high can a fence be in Queensland are best answered by referencing local council guidelines and the state act itself.

Dividing Fence Rules And Standards - Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Fencing in the ACT falls under the Common Boundaries Act 1981. Here, the legal fence height between neighbours and associated rights are clearly defined. Any changes to fence height or type must be communicated through a formal fencing notice, including details like fence height NSW-style measurements, date of proposed construction, and agreement terms.

Dividing Fence Rules And Standards- Northern Territory

According to the Northern Territory of Australian Fences Act 1972, no building approval is required if a fence is less than 1 m in height and vice versa. In fact, in an area like Darwin, there is no need for a fence to be built around the residential property. So, when you are planning to erect a new fence, you need to be thoroughly aware of existing fencing, how to build your legal boundary line and cost-sharing details. Moreover, before you start the fencing work, you as an owner should check the dividing fence rules and standards and apply for a building permit, if necessary. There are certain rules for swimming pools and staff nursing when it comes to the Northern Territory of Australian Fences Act 1972.

Dividing Fence Rules And Standards- Western Australia

As a responsible Western Australian resident, you need to be aware of dividing sense rules and standards of the region and an act called the Dividing Fences Act 1961. This act majorly focuses on neighbour disputes and makes sure to reach an agreement between the involved parties. So, if there is a problem with your neighbour refusing to pay his or her share of the payment then you can take assistance from the Dividing Fences Act 1961. First, you can reach out to the neighbour and agree and then you can even write a letter that includes:

• You intend to repair a fence or erect a fence.


• Avail of two quotes for fence construction.


• An invitation to your neighbour to contact you in need of any doubt clarification and further discussion.


• You can wait for a time frame of 21 days for the involved party(s) to respond.

Dividing Fence Rules And Standards- Tasmania

The city of Hobart, Tasmania is primarily governed by the Fences Act 1965 and the rules and standards for front fences are different depending upon different zones. The front fence provisions are applied to any gate or fence within 4.5 m of the front boundary with a standard road reserve. If your property comes under the inner residential zone, then your front fence is exempted from planning permits if your fence meets the following requirements:

• If the fancy is solid and up to the height of 1.2 from the ground level.


• If the fence has openings with uniform transparency and at a height of 1.8 m.

However, if you are planning for side and rear boundary fences, then you need planning permits like the following:

• The fence should be within the range of 4.5 m of a frontage.


• The height of the side and rare boundary fences should be beyond 4.5 m of frontage from the ground level.

Dividing Fence Rules And Standards- South Australia

For South Australians, there is a Fence Act 1975 and this act regulates erecting, replacing, repairing and maintenance of fences. This act also has a procedure that resolves fencing disputes to obtain contributions from each neighbour to equally benefit them. The purpose of this act is to ensure that each person seeking fence construction gives opportunities to other neighbours to raise their matters like,

• To provide the counter-proposal


• The need for construction


• The cost of construction and


• The nature of construction

General Standards For Fencing Materials

Depending on the material chosen, various general standards are followed when a fence is installed. For example, AS 2423 2002 is a standard that ensures the use of products like zinc, aluminium and alloy-coated silver wire. Whereas AS 2728 is related to standards for the thickness of paint film on zinc-alloyed fences and AS 1397 for coated mass paint on zinc-alloyed fences. Moreover, there is also the AS 1604 standard that outlines the treatment given to plywood-based, wooden-based and timber-based products. In the same manner, there are certain general standards for fencing materials like wrought iron, vinyl, concrete, bamboo, chain link and colorbond.

Fence Height Standards

In general, the height standards of fences vary depending on the Australian state you belong to because of local government requirements. Each state has set its fence height standards concerning local councils and their certain guidelines. So, if you want to check how each state mandates its fence height standards in Australia, here you go.

• New South Wales (NSW)- 1.2 m of height at maximum.


• Victoria- Often limited to 1.2 m but rear fences are permitted up to 2.0 m.


• Queensland- Restricted to 1.2 m and rear fences are permitted up to 1.8 m.


• Western Australia- Maximum height of 1.2 m but rear fences are allowed up to 2.0 m.


• South Australia- Often limited to 1.2 m but rear fences are permitted up to 1.8 m.


• Tasmania- Limited to 1.2 m but rear fences are permitted up to 2.0 m.


• Northern Territory- Strictly restricted to 1.2 m.


• Australian Capital Territory (ACT)- Often limited to 1.2 m, rear fences are allowed up to 1.8 m.

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