Brisbane and the Gold Coast both draw a line at 2 metres, but measure it differently. What each council says, and the exceptions that catch people out.
The council question comes up before almost every quote we do. Do I need an approval for this fence? The short answer is that Brisbane and the Gold Coast both draw a line at 2 metres, but they measure it differently and each has exceptions that catch people out. Here's what each council says on its own website (we read both in October 2026). Rules change, so treat this as a map of the questions to ask, not a ruling on your block.
Brisbane City Council
Brisbane says you need building approval if your fence is more than 2 metres above the natural ground surface, or if it forms part of the fencing for a regulated pool.
The detail that surprises people: Council says fence height includes a combination of screens, fences and retaining walls. So a 1.8 metre panel fence sitting on a 0.6 metre retaining wall is, as we read it, a 2.4 metre fence, and that crosses the line.
Brisbane also says your fence may be subject to City Plan requirements if a neighbourhood plan or overlay applies to your site, and that building work has to comply with the National Construction Code and the Queensland Development Code. The City Plan online map is where you check your own address.
Gold Coast City Council
The Gold Coast puts it differently. Fencing up to 2.0 metres above the original ground level usually doesn't need building approval, with these exceptions:
- Corner lots. Council says fencing within the corner can't exceed 1.0 metre, so drivers can see around it.
- Swimming pool fencing, which needs approval and inspection.
- Waterfront fencing. Council points to a standard drawing that restricts it to 1.2 metres. We cover that in fencing a canal or waterfront block.
- Title and contract restrictions, and any conditions attached to a development approval.
What neither page can tell you
Both councils measure from the ground, but ground isn't always what it looks like today. Brisbane says natural ground surface and the Gold Coast says original ground level. On a block that's been filled, cut or terraced, that can differ from the level you're standing on, which is why a sloping block deserves a second look.
Your property title may also list covenants, easements or special restrictions, and those can limit what you build whatever the council's general rule says. If your estate or subdivision came with development conditions, check those too.
What we need from you to quote it properly
We make and install precast concrete fences. We're not your certifier, so we can't tell you whether your particular fence needs approval. What we can do is get the right information at the quote stage. Tell us:
- the height you're planning
- whether it's a corner lot, a waterfront block or has a pool
- whether any retaining wall sits under or beside the fence line
- the council area
That way nobody designs a 2.1 metre fence and finds out at the end. Our installation process page covers how we measure the fence line.
Common questions
Does a 1.8 metre concrete fence need approval?
Both councils' general line is 2 metres, so a 1.8 metre fence on level ground sits under it. The exceptions still apply: a corner lot, a pool, a waterfront block, a retaining wall under the fence, or a title restriction can each change the answer.
Does it matter that the fence is concrete?
The council pages we read set their thresholds by height and location, not by material. Building work still has to meet the National Construction Code and, in Brisbane, the Queensland Development Code, which Brisbane's page says cover things like structural sufficiency and boundary setbacks.
Does a pool change the rules?
Yes, on both. Brisbane requires building approval where a fence forms part of the fencing for a regulated pool, and the Gold Coast says pool fencing needs approval and inspection.
Who can confirm it for my address?
Your council, or a private building certifier. In its retaining wall guidance, the Gold Coast says a designer, engineer or private building certifier may be able to help if you are unsure of the requirements.
Before you book a quote
Check your council's page for the exact wording: Brisbane City Council on fences and Gold Coast City Council on residential fencing. Then have a look at our precast concrete walls, or call us on 1800 092 557 with your height and address and we'll go through it before the quote.
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