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How high can my neighbour's fence be in Ireland?

Under Class 9 of Schedule 2 to the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, a fence between properties can generally be up to about 2 metres high as exempted development, but is limited to a lower height, generally around 1.2 metres, where it fronts onto a public road.

A fence erected between two properties, away from a public road, is exempted development under Class 9 of Schedule 2 to the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 provided it does not exceed a height of approximately 2 metres. This exemption covers most typical side and rear boundary fences between neighbouring gardens.

Where a fence fronts onto, or is bounded by, a public road, the exempted height limit is lower, generally around 1.2 metres, because higher structures near roads can obstruct visibility for drivers and pedestrians and raise road-safety concerns that planning policy specifically guards against.

If a fence is higher than the relevant limit for its position, it is not covered by the exemption and requires planning permission. A fence that is otherwise exempt in height can still lose its exempted status if the property is a protected structure, is located within an architectural conservation area, or is subject to a planning condition specifically restricting boundary treatments.

How to check if a fence is within the exempted limits

Follow these steps:

  • Measure the fence height from ground level, taking the higher ground level where the site is sloped
  • Check whether the fence faces or adjoins a public road, which lowers the applicable exempted height
  • Confirm whether the property is a protected structure or in an architectural conservation area
  • Check the council's planning file for any condition on previous permissions restricting boundary treatments
  • Compare the fence's actual height and position against the specific wording of Class 9
  • Contact the council for a section 5 declaration if there is genuine doubt about whether the fence is exempt

A simple tape-measure check from several points, recorded with photographs, is usually enough to establish whether a fence is within the exempted height.

If a fence exceeds the exempted height

If you believe a neighbour's fence exceeds the exempted height and no planning permission has been granted, you can report the matter to the local authority's planning enforcement section, which can investigate and, where appropriate, require the fence to be reduced in height or removed. Retention planning permission may also be sought by the fence owner in some circumstances if it can be shown the excess height is acceptable.

Sources

Last reviewed 20 August 2026. General information only — not legal or planning advice.

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