Check your local Council’s Fencing Regulations

Here is a list of Local councils with the link to their rules and regulations about fence types, designs, heights, and fence placement.
Bayside City Council click here for more information: Bayside City Council – Fences
City of Monash click here for more information: City of Monash – Fences
Mornington Peninsula Shire click here for more information: Mornington Peninsula Shire – Fences
Frankston City Council click here for more information: Frankston City Council – Fence information
City Of Kingston click here for more information: Kingston City Council – Fence Fact Sheet
Maroondah Council click here for more information: Maroondah City Council – Fence Fact Sheet
Whitehorse Council click here for more information: City of Whitehorse – Fence Requirements
Knox City Council click here for more information: Knox City Council – Fencing
Manningham Council click here for more infomation: Manningham Council – Fences

Fencing Information and Disputes

From 22 September 2014, the Fences Amendment Act 2014 introduced a number of changes to the Fences Act 1968. If you are a property owner, these new changes mean that you and your neighbour have equal responsibility for the dividing fence on your land.

The Fences Act contains rules about who pays for a dividing fence, the type of fence to be built, notices that neighbours need to give one another and how to resolve disputes that come up when discussing fencing works with your neighbour. If you encounter a dispute with your neighbour over the construction or replacement of your fence, you will need to serve your neighbour with a “Notice To Fence”.
This Notice to Fence is a legal document that formally advises your neighbour that they have one month in which to respond otherwise legal proceedings in the Magistrates court will be initiated.

Swimming Pool and Spa Barriers

If you are installing a new pool/spa In Victoria, the safety barriers are subject to strict building requirements under the Building Regulations 2006 (the Regulations). The Regulations also contain ongoing legal obligations for pool and spa owners to maintain their safety barriers at all times.

Compliance with the Regulations improves safety outcomes. Non-compliance, for any reason, can increase the risk of drowning and lead to prosecution by the VBA or local councils. Any home-owner who engages in building a pool or spa and associated safety barriers must familiarise themselves with the Regulations.

If you are replacing an old existing pool/spa safety barrier with a new barrier for a spa or swimming pool built before 1 May 2010, you will need to comply with the current Regulations and this work will require a building permit.

The Victorian Building Association has created a swimming pools, spas and their safety barriers checklist to advise home-owners of their obligations, before, during and after construction. Click here to download a copy of the checklist. Or visit the Victorian Building Association website for more information.