Fencing

Front fences can be constructed up to 1.5 metres in height without a building permit, as long as they are not constructed from masonry, concrete or a similar material.

Front fences constructed from masonry, concrete or a similar material can be constructed up to a height of 1.2 metres without a building permit.

Side and rear fences are permitted to be constructed to a height of 2 metres without a building permit.

Corner properties are permitted to construct a fence to a maximum height of 1 metre within 9 metres of the point of intersection without a building permit. The requirements for front and side fences apply to the remaining lengths of the fence. See below diagram for clarification.

Fences that face a street, road, laneway or right-of-way are the responsibility of the property owner. This typically relates to front fences constructed along the front property boundary. If one of these fences needs to be repaired or replaced, it is the responsibility of the property owner to repair or replace the fence and pay all costs involved.

Fences between two privately owned properties are the responsibility of both property owners. If you share a fence, both property owners are responsible for the cost to build and maintain the fence.

Before any construction or maintenance of a fence between private properties begins, your neighbours must be informed about the changes. Please see Contacting Neighbours for further information.

If your rear or side fence adjoins council owned land, you may be entitled to half cost fencing as set out within Latrobe City Councils Half Price Fencing Policy. Please see Half Cost Fencing - Council Adjoined Land for more details.

If the adjoining landowner doesn’t live at the property, you can request ownership details.  You can only use this information for the purpose of arranging the construction of a fence.

Complete the Request for Ownership Details for Fencing Purposes Only form to make this request and return via Latrobe@latrobe.vic.gov.au , or submit at any service centre.

If your property adjoins council land you may apply for half cost fencing by returning the Notice to Fence between property owner and council application form via Latrobe@Latrobe.vic.gov.au  or to any service centre. Three written quotes are required. They must show the price for the height/materials of a standard fence regardless of the fence being erected.

There are exceptions when the neighbour to the fence is a road.
The fence owner must obtain prior approval from Latrobe City Council to construct:

• a non-standard fence. 
• a gate in a boundary fence to provide access to a Council Reserve.

Read the Half Cost Fencing Policy below prior to applying to ensure your request complies with the policy.

For half cost fencing  enquiries, email Latrobe@Latrobe.vic.gov.au 

For the purposes of half cost fencing for council adjoined land, the details of a standard fence can be seen below.

Urban Standard Fence

A 1.65 metres high paling fence with concrete posts at 2.7 metres centres, hardwood or treated pine rails at the top and bottom and a 75 millimetres x 38 millimetres  hardwood or treated pine rail at the centre, a 150 millimetres x 38 millimetres concrete plinth and 12 millimetres thick by 1.5 metres long hardwood or treated pine palings with tops and bottoms sawn to line.

Rural Standard Fence

A 1.2 metres  high post and wire fence with 5 non-barbed wires and 100 millimetres  diameter treated pine posts at 3 metres centres.
Further detail to guide officers in the implementation of this policy is contained in the Half Cost Fencing Operational Policy and 
includes:

• Detailed criteria for assessing property owner eligibility.
• Responsibilities of entities engaged to undertake fence works, and
• Gates in fences abutting Council property.

The details within the operational policy may be updated as is required to maintain contemporary guidance and will be made available to the community members upon request. 

The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria can provide you with advice and low-cost resolution services such as meditation services between you and your neighbour.

Phone: 1300 372 888      disputes.vic.gov.au

The Magistrates Court of Victoria can provide general information about resolving fencing disputes and how to start civil action if required, note that before taking the issue to court, all aspects of the matter should be considered.

mcv.vic.gov.au