How High Can a Fence Be in NSW?
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If you're considering installing a fence for New South Wales (NSW), the first thing that you will want to check is how high it can be.
Whether it's for your yard, pool, pets, some privacy, or to simply just make your yard look better, fencing is more than just a boundary—it’s part of your property’s personality.
Before getting started on your new fence, there are a few things to understand first. In NSW, fence height depends on a few different factors, includiong local council rules, the property type, location of the fence is, and the type of fence. Here's the information that you should know.
Standard Fence Heights in Residential Zones
In New South Wales, standard rules apply to almost all residential fencing:
Fence at the front (facing the street): Generally, no higher than 1.2 meters.
Fences at the side and rear of your property: You can build them up to 1.8 metres high without needing any council permission, according to NSW fence height regulations.
Corner lots or homes that face more than one street (either a primary or secondary road): These can have stricter regulations, especially in and around intersection areas.
You can go higher, but you'll typically have to obtain permission from your local council. This is especially the case when the fence has the potential to affect sight lines, is to be put on land that is subject to bushfire, or is to be constructed from non-standard materials like electric fencing or barbed wire.
What Affects How High Your Fence Can Be?
There are a few factors that change the rules on fence height:
1. Property Location and Zoning
Your local council may have additional regulations for properties in heritage zones, on really busy streets, or way out in the bush. It’s important to understand the local council regulations before you start any fencing project.
2. Fencing Type and Purpose
Some fences, such as pool fences or fencing around retaining walls, are subject to special safety regulations.
3. Neighbours and Shared Boundaries
If your fence divides two pieces of land (a fence that sits right on the boundary between two properties), the NSW Dividing Fences Act applies. You may also have to erect a fencing notice and obtain a written agreement before commencing work.
Fences That Need Council Approval
It’s likely you will need to lodge a development application (DA) if:
The height of your fence exceeds 1.8 metres.
You are employing non-traditional materials such as metal components, barbed wire, or electrical fencing.
Retaining walls are being used to build the fence.
You are altering a fence that affects a property listed as a heritage site.
You want a fence that includes solid piers or posts wider than 350mm
Council approval is also a good idea when fences affect neighbouring properties, driveways, or non combustible materials required in high-risk areas.
How To Choose the Right Fencing Materials?
The choice of material impacts maintenance, cost, appearance, and regulatory compliance.
Wood: Familiar and inexpensive, but requires maintenance in harsh Australian conditions.
PVC fencing: A very popular option and is low maintenance and weather-resistant.
Colorbond: Sturdy, stylish, and in an almost infinite array of colours—excellent for keeping your space safe and secure. Explore our Colorbond fencing options for more details.
Fences made of masonry and concrete: These are sturdy and stylish. They tend to be heavy and expensive and are considerably more likely to require official approval than other fence types.
Fencing made of wire or mesh: This is a much better option for fencing that is to be used on a rural property or that is intended to be temporary fencing work.
Your council may designate colours that have low reflectivity or restrict the use of materials that impact visibility alongside roads.
Fence Heights on Sloping Land or Retaining Walls
Dealing with uneven land? You need to think about your finished ground level, too, and whether your fence is built on a retaining wall. Learn about our timber retaining wall solutions.
Overall (wall + fence) can't exceed 2.2m without approval
Retaining walls themselves might need an engineering check
Fences on top of a wall are often required to have a setback for safety
Fence Height Rules Around Pools and Spas
NSW has rigid pool safety regulations that apply to homes with swimming pools, spa pools, and inflatable pools deeper than 300mm. Discover our pool fencing requirements in NSW.
Here are the key requirements:
A fence must be at least 1.2m high.
No gaps more than 100mm.
Must include a non-climbable zone around the outside of the fence.
All pool gates must be self-closing and self-latching, and must open away from the pool.
All Australian pools must be registered on the NSW swimming pool register.
These laws apply to private swimming pools, spa pool covers and portable swimming pools.
If your pool does not comply with the regulations, you may be fined on the spot or have issues when trying to sell the property.
Working With Neighbours on a Shared Fence
If you are putting up a fence on the boundary, you should establisj clear communication early on.
Communicate your plans in writing
Provide a fencing notice if you are hoping your neighbour will share costs
Agree upon the structure, materials and maintenance of the fence
If disputes escalate, you can seek an application in the relevant NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal or local court
In short, disputes can be avoided by establishing all of this first!
Council-Specific Fence Rules
Each local council has its own policy document. For instance:
Certain councils need development approval for any fence installed in front of the house.
Others allow higher fences if you’re next to a primary road or secondary road.
Some councils even have rules for the height and design of fences that back onto parks or business premises.
To ensure that you're complying with your council's particular requirements, check your council's website or call its planning department.
Fence Maintenance Rules
After you've put your fence up, you’ve still got to follow through and keep it in good condition.
Clear back any vegetation that touches or leans on the fence
Look for rust, rot, or loose posts
Maintain a clear non-climbable zone if it’s a pool barrier
Jointly maintain shared fences with your neighbour.
Having fair and reasonable maintenance arrangements will help avoid potential disputes with neighbours.
To Conclude: Build Smart, Build Compliant
So, how high can a fence be in NSW? It depends—but in most residential zones, side fences and back fences can be up to 1.8 meters, while front fences can be up to 1.2 meters.
If you want a fence that is a little higher, it’s best to go to your local council office to work out a plan that fits your property’s needs and meets Australian standards.
If you are looking to improve your home's privacy, protect your pets, or generally want to improve your outdoor area, getting it right the from the beginning saves stress later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Absolutely! But you might need council approval for that. Anything over 1.8 meters for backyard fences typically requires a development application.
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For a standard 1.8 metre dividing fence, there are no permissions required if both neighbours agree to the fence. If the fence is higher, made of non-standard materials, or involves a dispute, this may involve a council or court approval.
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Yes, there is a height limit for garden walls and retaining walls. If you want to build one that is over 600mm high, you'll very likely need to get approval, especially if what you're building is going to support a fence or change the flow of water.
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Normally, if it's on the street side of a corner block, the maximum height is 1.2 metres, but it can be different. So, it's always best to confirm with your local council regarding corner lots and multiple frontages.
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Yes. Pool fences are required to be made from strong, approved barrier materials that serve as safety barriers. While timber is an acceptable choice, metal and noncombustible materials are often preferred.
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Generally, as a post and rail or just a fence in a residential zone, you can't electrically fence. Electric fencing may be allowed in rural zones, but it would only be done so under very strict regulations and requirements.
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Usually you can, unless you're in a heritage area or a body corporate complex that has colour regulations. They normally recommend that you use low-reflective colours.
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This depends on whether it's a main or minor thoroughfare, the view it creates, and nearby traffic safety concerns. So, be sure to always consult with your local council rules first.
Greg Hair, owner of Slide Living, has over a decade of experience in delivering high-quality landscaping and outdoor living solutions across Albury-Wodonga and surrounding regions.
Known for his attention to detail and great customer care, Greg has transformed hundreds of properties, specialising in everything from fencing, decking and home irrigation.
SLIDE Living is fully licensed and insured, ensuring top-notch workmanship and customer satisfaction on every project.
