Fencing in Kalorama

One fence rule for the whole suburb

Kalorama is small, about 3 km², and all of it is under SLO1. That overlay asks for a planning permit for any fence unless it is under 1.8 m and more than 75% see-through, wherever on the block it stands. A close-boarded fence of any height needs one. So does an open fence of 1.8 m or more.

ESO1 covers about two thirds of the suburb as well, and its fence wording is open to more than one reading. If it is on your report, ask Yarra Ranges planning how it applies to your fence.

Get a free VicPlan property report before you call council.

Checked 25 October 2026 against Wikipedia: Kalorama, Victoria, Vicmap Planning, the state's zone and overlay maps (DataVic), measured across the suburb, Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme, Schedules to Clause 42.03 (SLO1–6, SLO22, SLO23), Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme, Schedules to Clause 42.01 (ESO1, ESO2) and Yarra Ranges Council: building a fence.

Fencing on a slope

More than half of Kalorama carries an erosion overlay, which marks ground prone to landslip. A fence down a slope often needs a stepped run or a low retaining wall behind it. The Building Regulations' exemption from a building permit for a retaining wall stops at 1 m high, so anything taller is a building permit question. Ask about the overlay when you talk to council about the fence.

Before any post hole, lodge a free Before You Dig request. It applies even when the new fence goes in the old holes.

Checked 25 October 2026 against Vicmap Planning, the state's zone and overlay maps (DataVic), measured across the suburb, Building Regulations 2018 (Vic), authorised version 031, Before You Dig Australia: for homeowners and Before You Dig Australia: staying safe when working with fences.

Next to Kalorama Park and the forest

Half the suburb is public land, from Kalorama Park, seen from the Five Ways lookout, to wet mountain ash forest where lyrebirds call from the gullies. A public park or Crown land beside you doesn't share the cost of a fence. Where there is a private neighbour instead, the Fences Act's half-each rule applies, and dividing fences explains the notice. On the farming and rural conservation land, farm fencing covers wire and wildlife.

Checked 25 October 2026 against Wikipedia: Kalorama, Victoria, Vicmap Planning, the state's zone and overlay maps (DataVic), measured across the suburb and Fences Act 1968 (Vic), authorised version 072.

Kalorama's borders

Mount Dandenong

Uphill, SLO1 again, so the same 1.8 m and 75% test.

Montrose and Mount Evelyn

Downhill, the township overlay SLO22, which leaves side and back fences alone and asks about a front fence only if it is 1.2 m or taller and no more than 75% see-through.

Silvan

Mostly the farming overlay SLO5, which doesn't require a permit for a rural post and open-weave wire fence under 1.8 m.

Checked 25 October 2026 against Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme, Schedules to Clause 42.03 (SLO1–6, SLO22, SLO23).