Fences

Fences

There are a number of planning requirements for front, side and rear boundary fences and retaining walls.

If you are unsure if a planning permit is required, please call our our Duty Planner on 03 6238 2711 to discuss your proposal before undertaking any works.

Front fences

Front fences are any fence and gate within 4.5 metres of a front boundary. This includes the fence that runs across the front boundary and the 'side' boundary fences that are within 4.5 metres of the front boundary.

If your property is on a corner lot, the boundary with both streets is a front boundary.

If your property is heritage listed or located in a local heritage precinct, all front fences and gates require a planning permit. The only exception is if the new fence and gate is designed and constructed to match the existing original fences on the site.

There are numerous heritage listed properties and local heritage precincts throughout Hobart. Please contact our Duty Planner on 03 6238 2711 to find out the heritage status of your property. If your property is heritage listed or in a local heritage precinct, we have heritage officers that can give you advice about an appropriate height and style of fence.

For properties that are not heritage listed, or in a local heritage precinct, General Residential Zone, Inner Residential Zone, Low Density Residential Zone, Urban Mixed Use Zone, Local Business Zone, General Business Zone, Central Business Zone, Commercial Zone, and any Particular Purpose Zone, the following front fences do not need a planning permit:

  • Any style of fence and gate up to 1.2 metres above existing ground level.
  • A fence and gate up to 1.8 metres above existing ground level, if the fence has openings above the height of 1.2 metres which provide a uniform transparency of at least 30 per cent (excluding any posts or uprights).

If you have any questions about your proposed front fence and whether it needs a planning permit, please contact the Duty Planner on 03 6238 2711.

Side and rear boundary fences

Side and rear boundary fences are treated differently from front fences.

You will need a planning permit for a side or rear boundary fence if:

  • The fence within 4.5 metres of a frontage does not meet the exemption for front boundary fences (all fences within 4.5 metres of a frontage are considered to be front fences).
  • The height of the fence beyond 4.5 metres of a frontage is higher than 2.1 metres above existing ground level.

Please note that if you live in Tolmans Hill, there are special provisions around side boundary fences, and how close they can be built to the street. These provisions are in the Tolmans Hill Local Plans. Please call our Duty Planner on 03 6238 2711 to discuss your proposal before undertaking any works.

Retaining walls

Any retaining wall located within 1.5 metres of any boundary, and/or any retaining wall that retains a difference in ground level of 1 metre or more, may require planning approval.

Building and plumbing approval

Building and plumbing permits may also be required for a fence or wall. Please contact a building surveyor to determine if these permits are required. Retaining walls, brick or masonry fences, or high fences are very likely to require building assessment.

Disputes

The City of Hobart does not become involved in neighbour disputes regarding side and rear fences. If you cannot come to an agreement with your neighbour, you may need to obtain independent legal advice or Legal Aid. For more information, view Legal Aid's boundary fences fact sheet.

Back to top