In NSW, fences don’t usually need planning permission, as long as they meet the relevant standards.
To be exempt from needing planning permission
You must follow the following general standards:
- Don’t build a fence in a koala habit.
- In bushfire areas, fences need to be constructed of hardwood or other non-combustible materials.
- Metal components must be low reflective and made from pre-coloured materials.
- Don’t use wire or electrical fences in residential areas.
- Gates must open inwards.
If you want to build a fence in a residential area
Then the following applies (R1-R5):
- Fences can’t be higher than 1.8m at the rear and sides of your property, reducing to 1.2m if they are masonry walls.
- Fences built along the side of your property that boarder a road (primary or secondary) can’t be higher than 1.2m high.
- Fences built along the side of your property that boarder a secondary road can be solid up to 400mm in height. But you must be able to see through the fence above this height. And the upright posts or piers must be no wider than 350mm.
If you want to build a fence in environmental protection and rural zones
To be exempt from needing planning permission, the following rules apply:
- Fences must be constructed of post and wire or post and rail, and must not be higher than 1.8m.
- Electric fencing can be used, but must be in accordance with the relevant standards.
- You can only use masonry within 3.0m either side of the main entrance to your property from the primary road.
If you want to build a fence in industrial and business zones
Then to be exempt from needing planning permission, the following rules apply:
- Masonry fences can’t be higher than 1.2m or 3.0m if built from other materials.
- If the fence is to be built adjacent to a residential zone or along a road, then above 1.8m you must be able to see through the fence for at least 75% of its length.
For more information click here for the NSW fence planning portal.