Fence rules in the Netherlands: heights, permits and neighbour law
By Hovenier Hoofddorp · Updated July 19, 2026
In the Netherlands, a fence in your back garden may be up to 2 metres high without a permit. In the front garden the limit is 1 metre — anything higher needs an environmental permit. A fence exactly on the property boundary is jointly owned and requires your neighbour's agreement (and they typically share the cost). Hedges have no permit-based height limit at all.
What are the height and permit rules?
- Back garden (behind the front facade line): up to 2 m permit-free.
- Front garden: maximum 1 m without a permit.
- Corner plots — the classic trap: the side garden along the street usually counts as a front garden, so the 1-metre rule applies there. Check via the Omgevingsloket before building.
- Hedges: no permit requirement and no building-law height limit, though neighbour law still applies (see below).
What does Dutch neighbour law say about boundaries?
- A fence on the boundary line is jointly owned: you need your neighbour's consent to place or replace it, and costs are normally shared 50/50.
- A fence on your own land (just inside the boundary) is entirely yours — no consent needed, up to the permit-free heights above.
- Plant distances: trees must stand at least 2 m from the boundary, hedges and shrubs 0.5 m, unless the municipality allows less, the neighbour consents, or the situation is older than 20 years.
- Every owner can demand that the neighbour co-operates in placing a 2 m boundary fence at shared cost (Dutch Civil Code art. 5:49) — useful to know if your neighbour refuses any boundary at all.
What does a fence cost, installed?
| Type (1.80 m high) | Per metre, installed (2026) | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Pine/douglas timber | €60 – €120 | 10–15 years |
| Timber with concrete posts | €100 – €180 | 15–25 years |
| Hardwood | €150 – €250 | 20–30 years |
| Composite | €150 – €300 | 25+ years |
| Hedge (bare-root, planted) | €20 – €60 | Generations |
On the clay soil of this region, deep concrete footings (60–80 cm) are essential — poorly founded fences lean within a few seasons. That is the most common DIY failure we are called to fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my neighbour refuse my new fence?
Only if you want to place it exactly on the shared boundary — that requires their consent. Placed just inside your own land, a fence up to 2 m in the back garden is your right and needs no agreement. In practice, discussing it first keeps the peace and often means sharing the cost.
Is a hedge or a fence better?
A hedge is cheaper per metre (€20–€60 planted), lasts indefinitely, supports birds and insects, and has no height restrictions from building law. A fence gives instant privacy and zero growing time. The popular compromise: a fence with climbing plants — instant privacy that turns green within two years.
Do fence rules differ per municipality?
The 1 m / 2 m permit-free rules are national. Municipalities can add rules through zoning plans, especially for corner plots, monuments and protected townscapes. When in doubt, check the Omgevingsloket for your address — we do this check as part of every fencing quote.
Who owns the existing fence between two gardens?
A fence exactly on the boundary is jointly owned by both neighbours, regardless of who originally paid — both must agree to changes and share maintenance. A fence clearly on one side of the boundary belongs to that owner alone. The land registry (kadaster) boundary is decisive, not the fence itself.
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