Fencing in the front setback

Did you know all fencing in the front setback of your property requires Council approval?

Don't get caught out ... get approval first!

Download the application form below.

   Front Fencing Application Form

Requirements 

There are specific requirements relating to fencing in the front setback area of your home including:

• fencing must be 'visually permeable' (your front yard and house should be visible from the street);
• solid fencing can only extend to a maximum height of 0.75 metres, with fencing above being see-through; and
• railings and pailings can have solid to open ratio of no more than 50 per cent.

Although some concession is allowed on main roads, at least some degree of openness is still desired. If you wish to screen traffic noise with a solid wall, consider dense planting as it's more effective in absorbing sound.

Streetscapes and safety

Open front yards present your house and garden to the street, making the street a more open, attractive and hospitable place to live.

Contrary to popular belief, solid screen walls don't improve security as once a person is behind the walls - no-one can see what they're up to.

Floreat and City Beach were originally designed on 'garden city' principles, with deep building setbacks from the street. With the housing in these areas becoming larger, maintaining an open street view becomes even more critical in maintaining this character. Why put all your effort into designing your house and then hide it from view?

If you're thinking of putting a swimming pool in your front yard, you can't expect to have it totally screened from view with a solid wall. If privacy is a real concern, the most effective and attractive method to achieve this is by dense screen planting.

Also it's interesting to note that open, active streets are less conducive to traffic speed. It's been found the speed of traffic is governed, to a large extent, by how much residents have psychologically retreated from the street. As residents retreat behind high walls they give traffic permission to go faster.

If you're thinking of fencing the front of your property and would like to avoid the possibility of having to modify the fence to conform with the Town's requirements, contact us for further advice.  

For more information on front fencing standards please refer to:

   Policy 3.1 Streetscape.