Consent from both owners is required to replace a common boundary fence and cost is usually shared by the property owners. Before you and your neighbour enter into an agreement to build, repair or replace a fence, it is recommended that you communicate and negotiate about the type of fence you want and what this will cost each party.

Neighbour Property Ownership Details Required 

An application for ownership details can be requested for the purpose of contacting your neighbour regarding the fence. 

A planning permit may be required if there are any overlays on the property.

Step 1 - Click on Whitehorse Maps to establish the zone and if there are any overlays on your property. The following overlays on a property may mean a planning permit is required prior to a building permit for a boundary fence:

• Heritage Overlay (HO)
• Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO)
• Neighbourhood Character Overlay (NCO)
• Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO)
• Special Building Overlay (SBO)

Step 2 - Once you know which zone and overlay(s) affect your property refer to the relevant zone and overlay(s) of the Whitehorse Planning Scheme.

Step 3 – Check if a planning permit has been issued on your property check the planning register. If there has been a previous planning permit, it is likely you will need to amend the original planning permit if you are wanting to build or change the boundary fence.  

Step 4 -  It is highly recommended to obtain a current copy of title from Landata, and confirm if there are any other restrictions that apply to the property. Information to assist in obtaining a title is available at Request a Copy of Title.

Step 5 - It is recommended that you engage a professional familiar with making planning permit applications to assist you in the preparation of the relevant documentation.

Step 6 - Prepare all relevant documentation.

Checklists have been prepared to assist in the preparation of the relevant documentation for common planning permit applications. It is recommended to check the relevant checklist under permit requirements prior to lodging an application.

Step 7 - Once you are ready to submit your application lodge and apply online

If a planning permit is required a building permit will also be required.

If you would like written confirmation whether a planning permit is required please lodge Planning Information Request. Refer to Fee Information to view the application fee for a Planning Information Request.

Refer to planning permit process for information about the phases of a planning permit application.

If you want to exceed the maximum permissible height of 2m a Building Permit is required, before any works are undertaken associated with your new fence construction.

Step 1 – A planning permit (if required) must be obtained prior to lodging a building permit. Refer to planning permit information above to check if a planning permit is required.

Step 2 - It is recommended that you engage a professional familiar with building permit applications for a fence to assist you in the preparation of relevant documentation.  Also see our building permit checklist ( PDF 193.23KB).

Step 3 - Appoint a building surveyor. This could be Council or a private building surveyor. 

Step 4 - Refer to the building permit checklist ( PDF 193.23KB) to ensure all relevant documentation is submitted to your Building Surveyor.

Refer to building permit process for information about the phases of a building permit application.

For heights allowed on corner properties please contact the Building Department on 9262 6303 who will be able to provide specific information and inform you what permits are required.

Council will contribute 50% of the cost of repairing or replacing a standard height (1.65m), timber paling fence between private land and Council owned parkland. Any additional costs are at the expense of the property owner, if agreed to by Council. 

Please note Council does not approve of gates to be installed or renewed. 

Approval must be obtained prior to any repair or replacement of fences. Council will not consider any financial contribution after works have commenced. 

Council will not contribute to half the cost of fencing where the fence abuts:

• Land not in direct Council ownership or maintained under Council management.
• Laneways, discontinued roads, walkways and other occupied spaces where a walkway or road forms part of a recreation reserve.
• Drainage reservations.
• Pool compliance fencing.

It is recommended to contact Parks & Natural Environment on 9262 6222 or email parksandnaturalenvironment@whitehorse.vic.gov.au to confirm eligibility of your property.

Application requires the property owner to obtain two quotes from fencing contractors (three if the cost of the fence is over $5,000), each contractors ABN and Public Liability Insurance (must be over $10,000,000). 

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For free and practical advice on fencing issues, please visit Fence Responsibilities in Victoria.

For information about resolving boundary fencing disputes between neighbours, see Victoria Legal Aid.