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Boundary fence

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Check if you need approval to build a boundary fence. Find information for building certifiers.

What do I need to know before getting started?

Before you start building a boundary fence, you should: 

What types of approval do I need?

Planning approval

Your proposed fence may be subject to requirements in City Plan if you’re: 

  • building a new dwelling house on a site covered by a relevant neighbourhood plan or overlay 
  • building a new or renovating an existing dual occupancy or multiple dwelling (units or apartments). 

If your project doesn’t meet the requirements, you may need planning approval. 

Phone Council on 07 3403 8888 for advice if your proposed fence doesn’t meet the general or planning requirements.

Building approval

You’ll need building approval if your proposed fence height is more than 2 metres above the natural ground surface, or forms part of the fencing for a regulated pool. Fence height includes a combination of screens, fences and retaining walls.

You’ll also need to ensure your building work complies with applicable standards outlined in the National Construction Codeopens in a new tab and Queensland Development Codeopens in a new tab. They include structural sufficiency, size limits, fire separation and boundary setbacks. 

Contact a licensed building certifier or contractor to check if your project complies with the relevant codes.  

You’ll need to lodge a request for a referral response from Council if your fence does not meet the requirements.  

Information for building certifiers

Under the Planning Act 2016, Council must hold records of building construction approvals and certification information. These documents will be kept for a specified period of time and made available for inspection. 

A detailed list of required lodgement materials is outlined in Planning Regulation 2017opens in a new tab and s86 of the Building Act 1975opens in a new tab.

You can lodge building certification documents  for a fee of $72.30.

Sign in to the Services Brisbane for Business portal to lodge your building certification documents.

You can also lodge building documents at any Customer Centre. Phone Council’s Business Hotline on 133 BNE (133 263) to ask about the fees for lodging building documents in person.

Frequently asked questions