Fencing in Monbulk

Two overlays, two different fence rules

Monbulk was laid out in 1893 as 76 farms, and nursery production and floriculture are still its two largest sources of work. The planning map reflects that: about three quarters of the land is Green Wedge, with a smaller Low Density Residential township. The landscape overlay covers almost all of it, but not with one schedule.

• In the township, SLO22 only governs front fences. One needs a planning permit unless it is under 1.2 m or more than 75% see-through. Side and back fences are left to the building rules.
• On the farms, SLO5 covers every fence. It needs a permit unless it is a rural post and open-weave wire fence under 1.8 m. A solid fence around a house paddock, or close mesh around a growing area, is a permit question.
• A few blocks toward the ranges are under SLO1, where any fence needs a permit unless it is under 1.8 m and more than 75% see-through.

Your overlay is on a free VicPlan property report. If it also shows ESO1, whose fence wording is unclear, ask Yarra Ranges planning first.

Checked 25 October 2026 against Wikipedia: Monbulk, 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) and Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme, Schedules to Clause 42.01 (ESO1, ESO2).

On the street

Yarra Ranges' zones set no front-fence height of their own, so the Building Regulations apply. Within 3 m of the street, a fence over 1.5 m (1.2 m in brick or concrete) needs a building permit. The regulations allow 2 m on a declared road, so ask the council whether that applies before settling on a height. Fence permits has the rest.

Checked 25 October 2026 against Vicmap Planning, the state's zone and overlay maps (DataVic), measured across the suburb and Building Regulations 2018 (Vic), authorised version 031.

Between a grower and a house block

Where a farm meets a house block, the Fences Act takes the farm standard as the sufficient fence, and each side pays half. If the house owner wants something taller or solid, they pay the difference. Dividing fences explains the notice, and farm fencing covers barbed wire on livestock blocks.

Checked 25 October 2026 against Fences Act 1968 (Vic), authorised version 072 and Victorian Government: fencing in Victoria.

The country around Monbulk

Silvan and Macclesfield

Farm overlays again: SLO5 in Silvan and SLO6 in Macclesfield, both with the post and open-weave wire rule.

Olinda, Kallista and The Patch

The ranges overlay, SLO1, which applies to side fences as well as front ones.

Emerald

Cardinia Shire. Check its zone schedule for a front-fence height. Its hills overlays have no fence trigger, so the state's fence exemption is the starting point. Clearing vegetation for the fence is a separate question.

Checked 25 October 2026 against Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme, Schedules to Clause 42.03 (SLO1–6, SLO22, SLO23), Building Regulations 2018 (Vic), authorised version 031, Cardinia Planning Scheme, schedules to Clauses 42.01, 42.02, 42.03 and 43.02 and Victoria Planning Provisions, Clause 62.02 (buildings and works).