Your home is your castle, and if you’re like most people, you probably want to prevent stickybeak neighbours from peering inside. Privacy fences are one of the best ways to do so, but you’ll need to make sure that you abide by the height limits set by your particular state’s government.
In this article, we outline how high privacy fences can be for every Australian state, and cover some additional concerns that you should know about.
Let’s jump in.
Privacy fence heights by state
These are how high privacy fences can be built without a permit for every Australian state. You may be able to build your fences higher, but you’ll need to request a permit from the authorities.
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These heights are measured from ground level to the highest point of the fence, and do not include retaining walls. For example, you can’t legally build a two metre fence on top of a retaining wall.
If you breach the height limits outlined by your state, and they find out about it, you may have to tear down the entire fence and replace it with something smaller. A neighbour might have a genuine complaint if you built a monstrous fence on their property’s boundary, because it could feel like they’re living in a prison.
An exception to this rule is when your property’s boundary is shared with a public park, which changes safety considerations. In this instance, it’s best to talk to your local council about your fencing requirements.
Do fence extensions count in the height?
Yes—fence extensions count towards the overall height of your fence. So sadly, you can’t add a fence extension that surpasses your state’s maximum height. If you’re still keen on the idea of getting a fence extension, check out our list of fence extension ideas, which includes extensions for a variety of materials.
I want more privacy than the maximum height—what can I do?
You can consider applying for a permit with your local council. If that doesn’t work, you might want to consider privacy plants instead. They don’t have a height restriction, and species such as bamboo can grow at immense speeds—up to 0.8 metres a day in some cases! Other plants take much longer to grow, and you’ll need to wait a while before securing your privacy.
What if it’s a boundary fence?
Boundary/dividing fences are fences that sit on the border of two properties, such as yours and your neighbours. These fences are subject to the same height regulations as other types of fences, and you’ll need to work with your neighbour to agree on an acceptable material, height, and shared cost.
Fencing can be a bit of a minefield, so if you’re a Queenslander looking for more rounded information on what you can and can’t do with fencing, we wrote a comprehensive article on fencing regulations in Queensland that will answer your burning questions.