Garden fences: the rules in Belgium

In the Brussels-Capital Region

A fence is exempt from planning permission up to 1 m high in the front setback zone, in front of the house, and up to 3 m in the courtyard and garden zone, subject to certain conditions on size. Above that, or for a protected heritage property, planning permission is required.

In Wallonia

The Walloon Code of Territorial Development (CoDT) provides a simplified regime for fences up to 2 m high made of posts and wire or mesh, possibly set on a low wall of no more than 0.70 m, as well as for certain wooden fence panels and gabions.

Since 1 May 2025, however, a fence in a high flood risk zone requires planning permission. Your municipality’s planning department will confirm which rule applies to your land.

In the Flemish Region

Fences up to 2 m high are exempt from planning permission in the side and back garden, within 30 m of the house. At the front, a closed fence is limited to 1 m. These exemptions do not apply in so-called vulnerable areas, or if a subdivision permit (permis de lotir) provides otherwise.

Check the subdivision permit first

Everywhere in Belgium, a subdivision permit (permis de lotir) or a municipal regulation can impose a height, a material or a colour, and these rules take precedence. A call to your municipality’s planning department before work starts avoids unpleasant surprises.

On the boundary or on your own land?

Since 1 September 2021, the Civil Code has presumed that walls, fences and hedges on the boundary are in shared ownership (mitoyenneté), unless proven otherwise. A party fence is decided on and paid for jointly, and if one of the two plots is built on, each neighbour can ask the other to share the costs.

To remain the sole owner of your fence, simply place it entirely on your own land.

Which type of fence should you choose?

• Rigid mesh panels: sturdy, discreet and affordable, ideal backed by a hedge.
• Wooden fencing: warm and screening, it needs regular maintenance.
• Gabions: very durable, they give a contemporary look.
• Green fence: discreet mesh covered with climbers or lined with a hedge, for a natural result.

How we work

We check with you the rules that apply to your land, then install the fence with foundations suited to the soil and, if you wish, a matching gate or side gate.