Shared fencing fact sheet

City of Monash understands the significance of maintaining the boundary fence between Council property and privately owned property.

Council will contribute up to half the cost of constructing, repairing, or replacing a standard timber paling fence along a shared property boundary abutting Council-owned reserves and properties up to an overall finished height of 1.95m.

Note: Fences above 2m or greater than 1.2m within 3m of the front title boundary are mandated to obtain a separate building permit. Construction exceeding this limit without a valid permit may result in the issuance of a building notice. The owner is solely responsible for any necessary alterations resulting from corrective actions.

For more information on the building permit process, please refer to Fences, or contact Council’s Building Department on 9518 3555 or mail@monash.vic.gov.au

Any gates forming a part of the fence will require a gate permit.

Gate permit application

Council will contribute up to half the cost of:

• Construction, repair, and replacement of a standard timber paling fence up to an overall finished height of 1.95m provided the fence is constructed as per the Council's specification for shared fencing.
• Shared boundary fences adjoining Council-owned buildings (like preschools, community centres, Council offices)
• Shared boundary fences adjoining Council-owned open space reserves (like parks, playgrounds)
  
  

Council will NOT contribute to the cost of:

• Construction, repair or replacement of a fence abutting an open space reserve managed by other authorities (for example, Melbourne Water, South East Water, Vic Track) or any land managed by Council on behalf of other authorities.
• Construction, repair or replacement of a fence adjacent to a road, road reserve, drainage reserve, laneway, right of way or walkway
• Any pedestrian or vehicle entry gates forming a part of the fence.
• Any retaining walls forming a part of the fence.
• Trellis, capping, screens or any kind of fence extensions (please note that if the placement of these items causes the fence to be greater than 2.0m high, a building permit will be needed, and a Report and Consent may also be required. Please contact Council’s Building Department on 9518 3555 for further information on building permit process).
• Pool compliance fence.
  
  

It’s the property owner's responsibility to:

• Obtain approval from the City of Monash prior to the construction, repair or replacement of the shared fence adjoining council reserves or properties.
• Engage a reputable fencing contractor to undertake the fencing works as per the Council's specifications.
• Ensure that the fence is constructed as per the approved fence height and design specification. Please note that under the Shared fencing process, the Council’s contribution is solely intended for the construction of the fence, and the Council will not assume responsibility for the construction process.
• Obtain a building permit for all fences above 2m and greater than 1.2m within 3m of the front title boundary (this is the overall finished height of the fence from the natural ground level)
• Pay the additional cost for fences above 1.95m
• Pay the additional cost of using an alternate fencing material unless approved by the Council.
• Obtain a gate permit, forming a part of a fence abutting a council reserve.
• Reinstate all disturbed areas unless agreed upon by the Contractor.
• Contact the Council's Horticulture team if vegetation is required to be removed from the Council Reserve for the construction of the fence.
  
  

Constructing different style/ height fence

The standard fence for properties adjoining Council-owned land or properties will be a timber paling fence of no more than 1.95m in finished height (palings, posts and plinth). Any additional cost for higher fences will need to be covered by the private owner.

The requests for using a non-timber paling fence (like Colourbond) will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The private property owner will need to cover the additional cost of using an alternate fencing material, if Council deems a standard timber paling fence adequate for Council needs.

For all non-standard fences (for example, Colourbond fences), please ensure that the quote additionally includes the cost of a standard timber paling fence for the same height.

Gates

Prior Council approval is required for the installation of gates onto reserves, as a Gate Permit is required for these to be installed as per Council’s Local Law 3.

If a gate already exists within the fence, a new Gate Permit is required, however the permit cost will be waived.

Only pedestrian gates that are 0.8-1.0m wide are allowed. Pedestrian gates must open into your property.

Gate Access Permit

Any gate permit fee is invoiced to you. Upon payment, you will receive the gate permit.

For more information about gates adjoining Council land, please contact the Engineering department on 9518 3555.

Fences damaged by Council assets

To report damage caused by a Council asset, such as a tree, please contact the Council via email at mail@monash.vic.gov.au. Address your correspondence to our Risk and Insurance team and include relevant documents and photos for prompt assistance.

Side boundary fence

 If the boundary fence between a private property and a Council-owned property/reserve also serves as a side fence, the height of the fence within the first 3m of the front title boundary must comply with the regulations set by the applicable Planning Zone. Common side boundary fences may only be permitted to be 0-1.2m high, depending on the zoning requirements, without Council consent.

Fences greater than 2m or 1.2m within 3m of the front title boundary are required to obtain a separate building permit. For more information on planning zone requirements, please contact the Council’s Building Department on 9518 3555.

Fencing design guidelines

The standard drawing below is a guide only to clarify what the Council considers to be an acceptable timber paling fence for the purpose of calculating shared cost contribution from the Council. Detailed specifications, if required, can be obtained by emailing Council at mail@monash.vic.gov.au.

Note: The specification below is for a standard 1.95m timber paling fence and only applies to common boundary fences that are not within 3m of the front title boundary.