Here's something most fencing contractors don't realise: the best fencing leads aren't in the "Fencing" category at all. They're hiding in pool DAs, new dwelling DAs, and subdivision applications.

Let me explain.

Most Fencing Doesn't Need a Permit, But a Lot of Work Shows Up Anyway

In Victoria, boundary fencing is governed by the Fences Act 1968, which is mostly about who pays what and how to give notice to neighbours. The actual height rules come from the Building Regulations 2018:

  • Front fences (solid/masonry): limited to 1.2 metres in residential zones
  • Front fences (lightweight/open materials like timber picket or wire): up to 1.5 metres
  • Corner properties must keep fencing within 9m of the intersection under 1 metre for sightline safety
  • Heritage overlay areas have their own design and height requirements

So a standard 1.8m Colorbond boundary fence on a side or rear boundary? No permit needed. But a front fence, a heritage area fence, or anything that combines with a retaining wall? That's a DA.

The Indirect Fencing Leads Are Where the Volume Is

This is the real insight. Every one of these DA types generates fencing work:

DA type Why it means fencing work Timing
Swimming pool / Spa AS 1926 safety barrier required before pool can be used During pool construction
New dwelling Every new home needs boundary fencing Mid-to-late construction
Subdivision New boundaries = new fences (multiplier lead) Post-subdivision approval
Demolition Existing fences come down, temporary hoarding + permanent replacement needed Before and after demo
Renovation Extensions near boundaries often require removing and replacing side fencing During build

In growth corridors like Casey, Wyndham and Melton, new dwelling DAs represent thousands of fencing jobs every year.

The Pool Fencing Angle Deserves Its Own Section

Pool fencing is a specialist niche with consistent demand and good margins. Here's why pool DAs are your best friend:

  • Pool fencing is legally required, not optional
  • It must comply with AS 1926 Part 1: specific requirements for barrier heights, gate springs, climbable zones, gaps between vertical members
  • Many homeowners don't budget for it. They focus on the pool cost and then realise they need $3,000–$10,000 worth of fencing (glass pool fencing runs $200–$650 per metre)
  • The pool builder rarely does the fencing. They sub it out or leave it to the homeowner

If you install pool fencing, you should be monitoring "Swimming Pool / Spa" DAs more closely than the "Fencing" category.

Direct Fencing DAs

The DAs specifically about fencing tend to be:

  • "Construction of a front fence": usually in an overlay area or exceeding height limits
  • "Front fence and gate in Heritage Overlay": heritage areas mean design conditions, specific materials, and a homeowner who's probably spending more on a fence than most people would
  • "1.8m timber fence in front setback": exceeds the 1.2m limit, needs approval

These direct fencing DAs are smaller in number but highly qualified. The homeowner has already gone through the permit process specifically for fencing work.

What to Do With This Information

  1. Set up multi-category monitoring. Don't just check "Fencing." Check pools, new dwellings, and demolitions weekly.
  2. Time your outreach. For new homes, fencing happens mid-to-late construction. For pools, fencing is needed before the pool is filled. Match your timing to the project stage.
  3. Lead with compliance knowledge. For pool fencing especially, being able to explain AS 1926 requirements shows expertise. Many homeowners are overwhelmed by the standards.
  4. Offer bundled services. Boundary fencing plus pool fencing plus front fence? That's one relationship instead of three separate contractors.

Browse fencing DAs and pool DAs on DA Leads.

Sources and Further Reading