Council Fence Regulations on the Bellarine Peninsula

Planning a new fence on the Bellarine Peninsula or in Greater Geelong? Before you pick materials or get quotes, it's important to understand the local rules. Fence height limits, permit requirements, shared boundary obligations, and pool fencing standards all affect what you can build — and getting it wrong can mean costly changes or council fines.

This guide breaks down the key residential fencing regulations that apply across the Bellarine Peninsula and Greater Geelong in plain English. While we've aimed to be accurate, regulations can change — always confirm with the City of Greater Geelong or a licensed fence contractor on the Bellarine before proceeding.

General Victorian Fence Height Rules

In Victoria, fence height rules are generally governed by local council planning schemes rather than a single state-wide rule. However, the following guidelines apply across most residential zones in Greater Geelong:

Greater Geelong Council Considerations

The City of Greater Geelong manages planning for all suburbs on the Bellarine Peninsula — including Drysdale, Clifton Springs, Portarlington, St Leonards, Ocean Grove, Leopold, and surrounding areas. Key local considerations include:

• Heritage overlays: Some areas (parts of Queenscliff, Drysdale township, and Geelong CBD fringe) fall within heritage overlays. Fences in these zones may require specific materials, colours, or styles that match the streetscape character. A planning permit is usually required.
• Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO): Properties in BMO zones may need to consider BAL-rated (Bushfire Attack Level) fencing materials. Colorbond is commonly used in these areas due to its non-combustible properties.
• Neighbourhood Character Overlays: Some newer estates or character areas have specific design guidelines for front fences. Check the planning scheme for your zone.
• Corner lots: Fences on corner lots often have additional sightline requirements to ensure visibility for traffic and pedestrians.

Shared Boundary Fences: The Fences Act (Vic)

If your proposed fence sits on a shared boundary with a neighbour, the Fences Act 1968 (as amended in 2014) governs how costs and decisions are handled. Here's what you need to know:

Cost-Sharing Obligations

Both neighbours are generally required to contribute equally to the cost of a "sufficient" boundary fence. A "sufficient" fence is one that is adequate for the purpose of separating the properties — not necessarily the most expensive option.

The Notice Process

1. Give written notice: You must serve your neighbour a "Notice to Fence" at least 30 days before starting work. The notice should describe the proposed fence, estimated cost, and your neighbour's share.
2. Negotiate: Your neighbour can agree, suggest changes, or propose a different fence type. If you want a higher-spec fence than what's "sufficient," you may need to pay the difference.
3. Resolve disputes: If you can't agree, either party can apply to the Magistrates' Court or use the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria for mediation.

Do You Need a Permit?

In most cases, a standard residential fence in Geelong up to 2 metres high does not require a planning permit. However, a permit is typically required if:

• The fence exceeds 2 metres in height
• Your property is in a heritage overlay or neighbourhood character overlay
• The fence is near a drainage easement or within a setback from a waterway
• You're building a front fence in certain residential zones that have specific controls
• The fence is on or near a road reserve or nature strip
• You're in a bushfire management overlay and using combustible materials

When in doubt, contact the City of Greater Geelong's planning department or ask your fence builder in Geelong — an experienced local contractor will know the common triggers for permits in this area.

Pool Fencing Requirements

Pool and spa fencing in Victoria is governed by the Building Regulations 2018 and must comply with Australian Standard AS 1926.1. These requirements are non-negotiable and are separate from general fence regulations:

• Minimum height: Pool barriers must be at least 1.2 metres high
• Non-climbable zone: No climbable objects (trees, furniture, stored items) within 900 mm of the barrier on the outside
• Gate requirements: Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and open outward (away from the pool). The latch must be at least 1.5 metres from ground level or shielded
• Gap restrictions: No gaps greater than 100 mm in the barrier
• Regular inspection: Council may inspect pool barriers and can issue notices for non-compliance

How Drysdale Fencing Can Help

Navigating fence regulations doesn't have to be stressful. As a local fence contractor on the Bellarine and across Greater Geelong, we deal with these rules every day. When you work with Drysdale Fencing, we:

• Assess your property and advise on any overlays, easements, or setbacks that may apply
• Provide clear guidance on height limits and whether a permit is required
• Help with neighbour communication — we can prepare clear quote breakdowns suitable for the fencing notice process
• Build to code — every fence we install meets or exceeds the relevant standards, including pool barriers to AS 1926.1
• Handle compliance so you don't have to worry about council issues after installation

We're a locally owned fence builder in Geelong with experience across dozens of suburbs on the Bellarine. Whether you need a straightforward rear boundary fence or a compliant pool barrier, we'll make sure it's done right.