Saltwater & SteelFencing & Gates · Newcastle

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How high can a boundary fence go before you need approval?

Most standard side and rear boundary fences in NSW do not need council approval, because they fall under the state's "exempt development" rules. But there are height limits, and going over them changes things.

The height limits

  • Side and rear, behind the building line: generally up to 1800 mm high without approval.
  • Stepped or sloping sites: the highest point must not exceed 2200 mm above the ground.
  • Front fence, facing the street: forward of the building line, generally limited to 1200 mm.

When exempt stops applying

The exemption also depends on other conditions: gates must not open outward; fences on bushfire-prone land must be non-combustible or hardwood; metal must be low-reflective and factory pre-coloured; and no barbed wire or electric fencing in residential zones. Heritage areas, flood land, corner blocks with sight-line rules and foreshore controls can all remove the exemption.

When a fence does not qualify as exempt development, you need either a Complying Development Certificate or a full Development Application through council.

It varies by address

These are the state-wide defaults. Individual councils can set different or extra rules through their local plans, so a specific address should always be checked against its own council's controls before you assume a fence is exempt.

This is general information, not professional advice; check your own council for your address. If you want a fence built to the right height and spec, book a free measure.

Planning a boundary fence? Book a free on-site measure. We'll look at the boundary, the height you're after and any local controls, and come back with a fixed written quote.
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