Before starting any fencing project, there are specific approvals you'll need to secure. Find out about requirements and how to apply.
Definitions
- Dividing fence: These fences separate lands of different owners, either along the mutual boundary or on either side of it.
- Front fence/street wall: These are the fences or walls that face the street, including any barriers at the front of your house or along the sides if they're still in the front yard area.
- Boundary fence: A boundary fence is a fence that is installed along a street or public open space or reserve.
- Privacy screen: A privacy screen is a fence that is a minimum of 100mm inside a dividing fence.
- Development (Planning) Approval: This is the City’s approval of your project's design and location, ensuring it aligns with local zoning and planning rules. It's the essential first step for any new building or significant alteration on your property.
- Building Permit: A formal permission from the City for the construction, extension, or major renovation of a building, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.
- R-Codes: R-Codes, formally known as State Planning Policy 7.3 - Residential Design Codes, are a set of regulations that govern residential development in Western Australia. They detail the minimum requirements for the design and assessment of residential properties, focussing on aspects like building size, open space, setbacks, and density to ensure sustainable and community-friendly development across various residential zones.
Construction guidelines
Dividing fences
Dividing fences must be constructed from corrugated fibre-reinforced pressed cement or steel sheeting, following either the manufacturer's specifications or these criteria:
- In-ground depth: The base of each sheet must be embedded at least 25% of its total length into the ground, with a mandatory minimum depth of 600mm.
- Material composition: Fences should be formed from a continuous piece of corrugated fibre-reinforced cement or steel sheet.
- Assembly details: Overlapping sheets should be secured with extruded snap-fit capping as per manufacturer's guidelines.
- Height regulations: Fences must stand 1800mm tall from the natural ground level, except those within street setback areas, where Residential Design Codes stipulate alternative requirements.
For commercial and industrial fencing, refer to the Fencing Local Law for sufficient fencing requirements.
Street walls and fences
Fencing above 1.2m must be ‘visually permeable’ above the midpoint of the verge directly adjacent to the lot. The R-Codes define this as:
- In reference to a wall, gate, door, screen or fence that the vertical surface when viewed directly from the street or public space has:
- Continuous vertical or horizontal gaps of 50mm or greater width, occupying not less than one third of the total surface area.
- Continuous vertical or horizontal gaps less than 50mm in width, occupying at least one half of the total surface area in aggregate.
- A surface offering equal or lesser obstruction to view.
Masonry fence
The design of the masonry fence shall meet the requirements of a practising structural engineer.
Front fences used as a swimming pool barrier
In addition to the minimum planning and building requirements, front fences that are to be used as a swimming pool barrier will need to comply with AS1926.1 Swimming pool safety. For further information refer to Swimming Pools and Spas page.
How to apply
Dividing fences
Development (Planning) Approval is only required for a boundary/dividing fence if the proposed fencing does not comply with the requirements of the City's Residential Development Local Planning Policy, Development in Housing Opportunity Areas Local Planning Policy or structure plan (if applicable).
Fences adjoining public open space
The Dividing Fences Act 1961 does not apply to the Crown land (government) or to land used for public purposes such as roads and paths under the control of local governments. This means that if your property adjoins such land you are fully responsible for the dividing fence including associated costs of the dividing fence.
Properties that adjoin public spaces and/or public access ways must meet the design criteria of the City’s Subdivision and Dwelling Development Adjoining Areas of Public Space Policy. An application for development (planning) approval may be required should your proposed fence not meet the requirements of this policy. Any development (planning) application will need to include justification to demonstrate that the proposal meets the objectives of the policy.
Privacy Screens
Development (Planning) Approval is required for a privacy screen that exceeds 2.3m from natural ground level.
Street walls and fences
Street walls and fences on a residential property will require a Development (Planning) Application where it does not meet the requirements of the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes), the City's Residential Development Local Planning Policy, Development in Housing Opportunity Areas Local Planning Policy or structure plan (if applicable).
Generally, for a single house or grouped dwelling, Development (Planning) Approval is typically not needed for your street wall or fence if it complies with the following:
- Solid wall portions: Must meet the specific height requirements associated with your property's R-Code density (see below).
- Structural pillars: Should not exceed 1.8m in height from the ground and must be no wider than 400mm.
- Driveway visibility: Walls and fences within 1.5m of the driveway's street boundary should have solid portions no taller than 750mm, except for pillars, which can rise to 1.8m and measure up to 350mm x 350mm.
- Infill panels: Any infill panels more than 1.2m above the ground must be visually permeable.
- Additional considerations: If your property is within a structure plan area, be aware that further requirements may apply.
Not sure of your R-Code or if your property is in a structure plan area? Insert your address into our online mapping system to view the R-Code and structure plan details. Contact the City of you need assistance.
Height requirements by R-Code density
Please note: For dual-density code not developed to the higher density, adhere to the R20 height requirements.
| R-Code Density | Street the House Faces | Other Streets |
|---|---|---|
| R20 |
Solid walls within 6m of the street boundary: No higher than 1.2m measured from the midpoint of the verge, including the height of any retaining wall built or proposed. Any fencing above 1.2m to be visually permeable between the structural pillars. |
Solid walls to a secondary street boundary (corner site), right of way or battleaxe leg: No higher than 1.2m for a minimum of 50% of the boundary length. Any fencing above 1.2m to be visually permeable between the structural pillars. |
| R20/25, R20/30, or R20/40 |
Solid walls within 4m of the street boundary. No higher than 1.2m from natural ground level on the street side of the fence, including the height of any retaining wall built or proposed. Any fencing above 1.2m to be visually permeable between structural pillars. |
Corner sites are required to address the street with equal importance as the street the house faces. |
| R20/60 |
Solid walls within 2m of the street boundary. No higher than 1.2m from natural ground level on the street side of the fence, including the height of any retaining wall built or proposed. Any fencing above 1.2m to be visually permeable between structural pillars. |
Corner sites are required to address the street with equal importance as the street the house faces. |
If your project does not comply with the requirements set out in Step 1 above, you will need to apply for Development (Planning) Approval. This requires submitting an application form, along with building plans and a cover letter. Application fees will apply.
For detailed information, refer to the Requirements for planning applications page.
Fencing, screen or similar structure
A Building Permit is not required for fencing, screens, or similar structures (excluding those part of a private swimming pool barrier) that meet all the following criteria:
- Masonry constructions must not exceed 750mm in height
- Constructions made from materials other than masonry must not exceed 1.8m in height
- The structure must be built following the City's Fencing Local Law (PDF).
Dividing fence
A dividing fence more than 1.8m in height requires a Building Permit and agreement with the adjoining neighbour.
You have two options when applying for a Building Permit:
- Certified application: Lodge a BA1 form, accompanied by a Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3 form) signed by a registered building surveyor, confirming compliance with building standards.
- Uncertified application: Lodge a BA2 form, and the completed Uncertified Building Application Checklist: Fences (PDF).
You can download BA1 and BA2 forms from the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry, Regulation and Safety website.
For more detailed information, including the application form, checklist, assessment process, and fees can be found on the Requirements for Building Applications page.
Dividing fence disputes
When disputes arise concerning dividing fences, it's crucial to understand both your responsibilities and the steps you can take to seek resolution.
Visit the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website for detailed advice on dividing fence matters and dispute procedure.
Obtaining neighbour's details
If you're unsure who owns the property adjacent to yours, here are several methods to find out:
- Checking with the tenants or property manager if the property is rented or leased
- Performing a land title search through Landgate
- Contacting the City’s Rating Services Team to request neighbour’s details in relation to a dividing fence matter.
Mediation service
In instances where an agreement on the dividing fence cannot be reached, the City offers a free mediation service. While the City cannot compel a neighbour to construct a fence or adjudicate costs and repairs under the Dividing Fences Act 1961, this service aims to facilitate a mutual agreement. To access this service, contact the City’s Customer Relations on 9400 4000.
More information and contact
For more information on approval and permit requirements for fences and street walls, contact the City on 9400 4000 or via info@joondalup.wa.gov.au. You can also visit the City’s Customer Care desk during office hours Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 5pm.