Do I need council approval for a fence in Queensland?

A fence up to 2 m high usually needs no building approval, and in most residential zones no development application either. Over 2 m needs a building approval. Some councils limit front-fence height and apply extra rules in heritage or character areas.

Do I need approval for a retaining wall?

A retaining wall over 1 m high needs a building approval, and one that is part of a larger earthworks job can also trigger planning rules. If a wall holds up a neighbour's land or a driveway, get an engineer's design.

Who pays for a boundary fence?

Under the Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act, neighbours generally share the cost of a sufficient dividing fence equally. That is a civil matter between neighbours, not a council approval.

Do I need council approval for a fence or retaining wall in Queensland?

Short answer

Usually no planning approval needed. Most ordinary fences need no approval at all. A building approval is needed for a fence over 2 m high or a retaining wall over 1 m, and some schemes limit front-fence height or protect heritage streetscapes. A development application is rarely needed.

Check your own property

Add the address, or choose your council, to see the answer for your zone. Different project?

1. Where is the property? (optional — it makes the answer specific)

I don't know my zone — choose my council instead

Council Zone

The zone is on your rates notice, or a Landbrief site report will find it for you.

The Queensland position

Most ordinary fences need no approval. Building work is assessable under the Building Act, and a building approval is needed for a fence over 2 m or a retaining wall over 1 m. The planning side is usually accepted development unless an overlay (heritage, character, flood) or a local front-fence height limit applies.

What usually happens: nothing for a standard fence; a building approval for a tall fence or retaining wall.

What else you'll need

Building approval for fences over 2 m or retaining walls over 1 m

By council

These councils' own tables of assessment, read zone by zone:

Common questions

Do I need council approval for a fence in Queensland?: A fence up to 2 m high usually needs no building approval, and in most residential zones no development application either. Over 2 m needs a building approval. Some councils limit front-fence height and apply extra rules in heritage or character areas.
Do I need approval for a retaining wall?: A retaining wall over 1 m high needs a building approval, and one that is part of a larger earthworks job can also trigger planning rules. If a wall holds up a neighbour's land or a driveway, get an engineer's design.
Who pays for a boundary fence?: Under the Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act, neighbours generally share the cost of a sufficient dividing fence equally. That is a civil matter between neighbours, not a council approval.

Other projects

Granny flat Dual occupancy Subdivide Shed or carport Extension Pool Home business Townhouses Shop, café or office Clear trees Demolish

General information, not advice. The council's planning scheme and the Planning Act 2016 decide — confirm with the council or a town planner before you build.