If you plan to add or modify a front fence to your property, find out when planning and building approvals are required, how to submit your application, and the fencing building requirements that must be met.
Definitions
- Front fence: means a fence in the front setback area of a lot;
- Development (Planning) Approval: Approval required for certain developments to ensure compliance with zoning and planning requirements. It is required before a Building Permit can be issued if your fence does not meet all Deemed-to-Comply criteria.
- Building Permit: Permission to commence building work that meets required building standards.
- R-Codes: State planning standards that guide the design and development of residential properties. Proposals that comply with the R-Codes may not require Development Approval in some circumstances.
Note: If the front fence has already been constructed without prior approvals, see the Unauthorised works page for guidance on how to apply retrospectively.
Front fence requirements
Front fences on residential properties must comply with the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) or any specific Local Development Plan (LDP) that applies to your property. The following summarises key requirements from the City’s Fencing Local Law and the R-Codes:
Maximum overall fence height: 1.8m, measured from the natural ground level on the street side.
Maximum height of the solid portion: 1.2m, measured from the natural ground level on the street side.
- Masonry pillars: up to 1.8m high, maximum 400mm x 400mm in dimension.
Where a fence exceeds 1.2m in height, the portion above 1.2m must be visually permeable.
Under the R-Codes, visually permeable means one of the following:
Continuous vertical or horizontal gaps of 50mm or greater, occupying at least one-third of the total surface area;
Continuous vertical or horizontal gaps less than 50mm, occupying at least half of the total surface area in aggregate; and
A surface offering equal or lesser obstruction to view, as seen directly from the street.
Fences next to driveways or at street intersections must be truncated to a minimum of 1.5m, or the height reduced to no more than 0.75m in the shaded area.
If a swimming pool is in the front setback area, the fence must comply with both the R-Codes and AS1926.1 – Swimming Pool Safety Barriers. For more information refer to the Swimming Pool page.
All front fences are required to comply with the requirements of the City’s Fencing Local Law 2021.
Dividing fences
A dividing fence separates the land of different owners, either along a shared boundary or on another agreed line. If you plan to construct or replace a dividing fence, you must follow the requirements set out in the Dividing Fences Act 1961 before starting any work.
The City does not administer this legislation. For detailed information, including your rights and responsibilities as a property owner, visit the Western Australian Government’s webpage on Dividing Fences.
How to apply
Planning approval is required for a front fence on a residentially zoned property if the fence does not comply with the Residential Design Codes of WA (R-Codes).
| Property type | When you don't need planning approval | When you do need planning approval |
|---|---|---|
Residential zone Single house or grouped dwelling | Your fence complies with the R-Codes and any applicable Local Development Plan or Structure Plan. | Your fence does not comply with the R-Codes, or conflicts with a Local Development Plan or Structure Plan for your area. |
Check your fence complies
| What to check | Applies to | R-Codes reference |
|---|---|---|
| Fence design | ||
| Street walls and fences | Single houses - R40 and below Grouped dwellings - R25 and below | Part B - Clause 5.2.4 |
| Streetscape | Single houses - R50 and above Grouped dwellings - R30 and above | Part C - Clauses 3.6.7-3.6.9 |
| Sightlines | ||
| Sightlines | Single houses - R40 and below Grouped dwellings - R25 and below | Part B - Clause 5.2.5 |
| Sightlines | Single houses R50 and above Grouped dwellings - R30 and above | Part C - Clause 3.7.7 |
Checklist
This checklist is applicable to all additions to residential development including but not limited to patios, outbuildings (sheds), carports, retaining walls, house extensions. All development applications must be accompanied by a completed and signed checklist PDF (see step 3). Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returned to the applicant with a list of outstanding items.
| Checklist information | When it is required |
|---|---|
| City of Wanneroo Application for Development Approval | Always |
| Metropolitan Region Scheme Form 1 | Required for approvals only under the MRS and not the Local Planning Scheme. |
| Payment of relevant fees (refer to Planning Fee Schedule) | Always |
| Current copy of the property's Certificate of Title (no more than six (6) months old) | Always |
| Site feature survey | Only required where there is a proposed change in ground levels |
| Site plan drawn to scale | Always |
| Floor plan drawn to scale | Always (not required for retaining walls) |
| Full set of elevation plans drawn to scale | Always |
| Statement identifying all design elements which do not satisfy the deemed-to-comply standard of the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) and the City's planning framework, including written justification outlining how the proposal meets the design principles and objectives of the R-Codes and the City's planning framework | Where development is located in a zone where R-Codes apply |
| BAL Assessment (or BAL Contour Map) | If property is within a bushfire prone area (unless less than 1100m² in size) |
Information to include on your plans
The essential details include:
Site feature survey
To a scale (not less than 1:200) including street verge showing existing:
- Contours at 0.5m intervals extending past property boundaries;
- Relevant spot levels; location and finished floor levels of adjoining buildings;
- All structures, including buildings and retaining walls;
- Trees on the site in addition to street trees and other fixtures (bus stops, power poles, traffic islands etc); and
- Location of adjoining buildings.
Proposed full site plan to a scale
To a scale not less than 1:200 showing:
- Site dimensions, scale bar, north point, lot boundaries and existing contours and levels;
- Proposed buildings and existing buildings to be retained on the site;
- Setback distances of buildings from the boundaries of the site;
- Position and finished levels of all proposed buildings, walls, fences, retaining walls and other structures;
- Location and dimensions of driveways, crossovers, pedestrian accessways and parking spaces;
- Structures and trees to be demolished or removed;
- Areas to be landscaped;
- Proposed finished ground levels over the site;
- Location, height (relative to natural ground level) and length of all existing and proposed retaining walls.
Floor plans
To a scale of not less than 1:100 of the internal layout of each floor / building showing:
- Use / purpose of all areas / rooms;
- Location of external doors and windows;
- The line of any upper floors clearly indicated over the lower floor plan; and
- The finished floor levels of each floor of the building.
Elevations
To a scale of 1:100 of all buildings showing:
- Existing natural ground levels, wall heights and roof heights relating to the established datum (AHD);
- Proposed finished floor levels and ground levels;
- Location of openings and if openings are clear glass or obscure glass;
- The external appearance of the building; and
- The external appearance and height of any proposed fencing forward of the building line.
Stormwater drainage plan
Showing:
- Size, location and capacity of soakwells, or other measures for on-site stormwater retention; and
- Provision of grated trafficable lids for soakwells located within vehicular accessways or driveways.
Colours and materials schedule
Showing:
- Schedule of all external finishes and materials of the development including roof, walls, windows, fencing, and driveway materials and colours.
Other
Written justification for variations to the acceptable development provisions of the R-Codes or Council Policies, if applicable (optional).
For detailed information, including the application process, timeframe and fees, refer to the Development (Planning) Approval page.
Documents to prepare and submit
All development applications must be accompanied by a completed checklist. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returned to the applicant with a list of outstanding items.
Download, complete and sign the Development (planning) Application Checklist – Residential Additions (see below).
How to submit your application
To apply, choose your preferred method below and remember to submit your supporting documents along with the application form:
- Option 1 – Apply online (preferred): Apply through the online lodgement portal.
- Option 2 – In person: Download and complete the Application Form PDF (see below), then submit it with all supporting documentation including the checklist at the City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm.
- Option 3 – By post: Download and complete the Application Form PDF (see below), then mail it with all supporting documentation including the checklist to City of Wanneroo, Locked Bag 1, Wanneroo WA 6946.
Fees
Planning assessment timeframes
The City of Wanneroo assesses planning (development) applications, within the following timeframes:
- Up to 60 days for most applications;
- Up to 90 days if consultation with the public (neighbours) or other public authority is required.
In many cases, straightforward applications that meet all planning requirements are approved sooner than these timeframes. The assessment timeframe begins after:
- You have submitted a complete application; and
- The City formally accepts it for assessment.
Planning approval (if required) must be issued before you can apply for a building permit.
Development (Planning) Application Checklist – Residential Additions (PDF) Development (Planning) Approval Application Form (PDF)
A Building Permit is required for:
Any masonry fence exceeding 750mm in height, and/or where any part of the fence is more than 500mm in height and used as a retaining wall;
Any non-masonry fence exceeding 1.8m in height;
Fence built in accordance with the Fencing local Law 2021 do not require a permit eg. dividing fences.
You have two ways to apply:
Option 1 – Certified application (BA1 form)
Includes a Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3) prepared by a registered private building surveyor.
You will need to complete and submit the following:
- Application for building permit - certified (BA1) form.
- Certificate of design compliance (BA3) form and a copy of all referenced documents.
- Payment of relevant fees (refer to building fees schedule).
- Development approval (if required).
- Street and verge bond permit application.
Option 2 – Uncertified application (BA2 form)
We assess and certify your application as part of our process. You do not need to arrange a private surveyor.
You will need to complete and submit the following:
- Application for Building Permit – Uncertified (BA2) form.
- Payment of relevant fees (refer to building fees schedule).
- Site plan drawn to a minimum scale of 1:200, showing the location of the proposed front fence, setbacks from lot boundaries and other structures, finished floor levels and site levels.
- Building plans and elevation including elevations and sections.
- Construction details and specifications demonstrating compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).
- Structural engineering details and certifications.
- Any other reports or certifications required to demonstrate NCC compliance.
- Street and verge bond permit application
- Development approval (if required)
Documents to prepare
For detailed information, including the application process, timeframe, and fees, refer to Building Permit page.
How to submit your application
You can submit your Building Permit application:
- Option 1 – Apply online (preferred): Apply through the online lodgement portal.
- Option 2 – In person: With all supporting documentation at the City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm.
- Option 3 – By mail: With all supporting documentation to City of Wanneroo, Locked Bag 1, Wanneroo WA 6946.
Note: All owners of the land must be listed on the application.
Fees
Timeframes
- Certified applications: within 10 business days
- Uncertified applications: within 25 business days
If further information is required, you will be contacted. The requested information must be provided within 21 days or within an agreed timeframe.
