Are there requirements for boundary fencing between the dwellings?
Not necessarily. There is no blanket requirement for the two dwellings in a dual occupancy to be separated by a boundary fence. The design must instead appropriately address privacy, private/open spaces and landscaping. If fencing is proposed, the applicable fence height and location requirements must be met.
Not necessarily a requirement for a physical fence between the two dwellings. For a dual occupancy, the ACT planning framework focuses on providing appropriate privacy, private open space, landscaping and separation rather than imposing a blanket rule that the dwellings must be divided by a boundary fence.
The Missing Middle Housing Design Guide recognises dual occupancies with private yards as well as shared/common areas, such as landscaping associated with a shared driveway. This means the appropriate treatment between the dwellings will depend on the proposed layout and how private and shared spaces are designed.
Where a fence is proposed, separate planning requirements may apply to the location and height of the fence, particularly where it is near the street/front boundary. ACT Planning notes that fences within the area between the front boundary and building line are generally not DA-exempt under the standard fencing exemption.
Reference: Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026 (NI2026-303) - Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026
Link on the answer: https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/View/ni/2026-303/current/PDF/2026-303.PDF
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| Dual Occupancy Q&A | #444 | agrees | 17/08/2026 |