Fencing in Lilydale

Two overlays in the same streets

Lilydale's suburban streets are split between two of Yarra Ranges' landscape overlays, roughly half each. SLO23 has no fence provision. Under SLO22, a front fence needs a planning permit unless it is under 1.2 m or more than 75% see-through. The bigger, low-density blocks are SLO22 throughout. Houses a few streets apart can get different answers for the same paling fence, so look up your own lot before you choose a design.

The building rules apply everywhere. Yarra Ranges' residential zones set no front fence height, so within 3 m of the street a fence over 1.5 m (1.2 m in brick or concrete) needs a building permit. A side or back fence up to 2 m needs no building permit.

A free VicPlan property report names your overlay.

Checked 25 October 2026 against 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 Building Regulations 2018 (Vic), authorised version 031.

Heritage streets

Lilydale has 16 heritage places on the planning map. In a Heritage Overlay, a fence that can be seen from a street or a public park needs a planning permit, so a new front fence in one of these places starts with the council. The town's early history is in its street names too: Anderson Street and Castella Street are named for the father and the husband of Lilly de Castella, the early settler the town is thought to be named after.

Checked 25 October 2026 against Wikipedia: Lilydale, Victoria, Vicmap Planning, the state's zone and overlay maps (DataVic), measured across the suburb, Victoria Planning Provisions, Clause 43.01 (Heritage Overlay) and Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme, Schedule to Clause 43.01 (heritage places).

The green wedge around the town

By area, about two fifths of Lilydale is green wedge farmland, mostly under SLO6. There a fence needs a planning permit unless it is rural post and open-weave wire under 1.8 m. Part of the same land is also under ESO1, whose fence wording is unclear; if your report shows ESO1, ask Yarra Ranges' planning team before you build. Farm fencing covers the farm standard and barbed wire.

Checked 25 October 2026 against 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).

Next to Lillydale Lake or the reserves

Estates such as Lakeview surround Lillydale Lake, and Olinda Creek runs through the town on its way to the Yarra. A council holding a public park isn't an "owner" under the Fences Act, and the Crown doesn't contribute, so a fence along a reserve is usually yours to pay for. Between two private blocks the cost of a sufficient fence is shared; dividing fences explains the notice.

About a tenth of the locality is under the flood overlay, and any fence on that land needs a planning permit.

Checked 25 October 2026 against Wikipedia: Lilydale, Victoria, Vicmap Planning, the state's zone and overlay maps (DataVic), measured across the suburb, Fences Act 1968 (Vic), authorised version 072 and Victoria Planning Provisions, Clause 44.04 (Land Subject to Inundation Overlay).

Over the boundary

Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park

SLO23 on most suburban streets, which has no fence rule.

Coldstream

Mostly farmland under SLO2, which doesn't require a planning permit for post and open-weave wire under 1.8 m.

Wandin North and Gruyere

Farmland under SLO6, and the red-soil SLO5 in Wandin North, with the same wire-fence exemption.

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