Fences, Retaining Walls and Water Tanks

Fences

Generally, building permit approval is not required for a front or secondary street fence which complies with the following:

  • If it is constructed of masonry (limestone, brick or similar), it is no more than 0.75m in height
  • if constructed of a material other than masonry, it is no more than 1.8m in height
  • is not located in wind region C or D as defined in AS 1170.2.

If the proposed fence forms part of a private swimming pool or spa barrier, you will need to comply with Australian Standard 1926.1-2012 and will need building permit approval. See our Swimming Pools and Spas page for more information.   

Dividing Fences

A Dividing Fence is a ‘sufficient fence’ that separates the land of different owners, whether on the common boundary of adjoining lands or in a line other than the common boundary.

The Dividing Fences Act 1961 regulates the erection and maintenance of dividing fences in WA.  The Act provides guidelines for sharing costs between neighbours, determination of boundaries and a mechanism for courts to deal with disputes over dividing fences. The Act is managed by the Building Commission under the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS).

For further information or contact details, please refer to the Building Commission website or phone them on 1300 489 099.

*Please Note:  Under the Act, the Shire (or Crown) is not liable to contribute to the costs of erecting or maintaining a fence that adjoins land owned by the Shire or the Crown.

Retaining Walls

A Building Permit is required where a proposed retaining wall is to be used to retain soil exceeding 500mm in height, is an addition to an existing retaining wall and/or in the case of tiered walls, the walls soil to be retained exceeds 500mm in total height. 

For information and how to apply for a Building Permit please visit Building Applications and Forms

Water Tanks

A water tank is a container for storing water for domestic and industrial purposes. Water tanks provide storage of water for use in many applications, such as drinking water, irrigation, fire suppression, and agricultural
farming, both for plants and livestock.

In accordance with the Building Regulations 2012, a Building Permit is required prior to the construction, erection, assembly or placement of a water tank more than 5000 litres in capacity. For smaller water tanks less than 5000 litres and not higher than the height of a boundary fence i.e. 1800mm, a Building Permit is not required.

For information and how to apply for a Building Permit please visit Building Applications and Forms