Council's budget for Shared cost fencing for boundary fences next to Council land has been exhausted. Please contact us in the 2025/26 financial year to enquire about this process.
Your responsibilities
If you own a property in Knox, you are responsible for building and maintaining your fences. This includes:
- Front fences (facing the street)
- Boundary fences (shared with neighbours)
If you share a boundary fence, you and your neighbour may be able to split the costs.
Note: Council’s budget for shared fencing costs next to Council land is used up for this financial year. You can apply again in 2025/26.
Front fences
Most front fence requirements are outlined in the Knox Planning Scheme and Building Regulations. These rules cover:
- Height
- Materials
- Location
- Public safety
Some fences require a Report and Consent application and a building permit. This applies when your fence is higher than the standard limit, such as:
- A front fence over 1 metre on a corner block
- A fence within 9 metres of an intersection
Planning and building permits
- Lots under 300m² need a planning permit.
- Front fences over 1.2m may require a building permit.
- Some planning zones require a planning permit for fences over 1.2m.
Boundary fences
- Standard height: Up to 2m
- With open lattice: Up to 2.5m (if all owners agree)
- Higher than 2m: Building permit required
Council does not handle boundary fence disputes. These are private matters. For help, visit the Dispute Settlement Centre or call 1300 372 888.
Fencing on declared roads
If your property is on a declared road (freeways or arterial roads), your front fence can be up to 2m high.
To check if your road is declared, visit Map of DTP Managed Roads.
Fences next to Council land
Council does not pay for regular fence maintenance. However, for fences bordering Council land (not laneways or walkways), Council may cover 50% of the cost (up to $110 per metre) for:
- Standard 1.6m paling fences (for local reserves)
- 1.9m fences with capping and every third post exposed (for tree reserves or main roads)
Any extras, like higher fences, gates, or trellises, must be paid for by the owner.
Important: Funding is limited. Once the budget runs out, Council will not contribute until the next financial year.
How to apply for fencing contributions
To apply for a Council fencing contribution, submit one quote from a registered provider. Once the fence is built and inspected, Council will reimburse costs (after proof of payment).
Submit your request:
Online (under ‘Trees and Parks – Other trees or parks enquiry’)
By post: Knox City Council, Parks Department, 511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South VIC 3152
Urgent fence replacements
If your fence has fallen and is urgent (e.g. a pool is exposed or animals can escape), you only need one quote submitted online. You can also call Council to highlight the urgency.
Note: Council does not provide temporary fencing.
Rear fences next to Eastlink
If your back fence borders EastLink, maintenance and replacement are your responsibility.
The legal requirements for boundary fencing costs are in Section 4, Schedule 5 of the Road Management Act 2004.
Need help?
Contact Building Services and we will get back to you.
Or call our Building Services team on 9298 8125.
