How high can I build a fence or wall in my garden without a permit?

What is not allowed, what is required?

• Flanders: in side and back gardens, fences and walls (afsluiting) up to 2 m high do not need a permit. In the front garden, a solid fence or wall may be no higher than 1 m. An open fence, such as a wire fence, and a garden gate do not need a permit up to 2 m.
• Flanders: the exemption for a 2 m fence in the side and back garden applies if the fence is no more than 30 m from the house. This 30 m condition does not apply to open (wire) fences, garden gates and a 1 m closed fence in the front garden.
• Wallonia: on the property boundary, a fence made of posts with wire or mesh up to 2 m high does not need a permit. It may have a concrete base panel or low wall of no more than 1 m at the bottom. A wooden screen fence visible from the street may be no higher than 1 m. A fence up to 2 m that cannot be seen from the street, or that stands behind the building, does not need a permit either. These exemptions do not apply in areas at high risk of flooding. A stone or brick garden wall (mur de clôture) needs a “limited impact” permit (permis d'impact limité).
• Brussels: in the front garden (zone de recul), a fence may be no higher than 1 m. In the back garden, the limit is 3 m, but it must follow the 45° rule along the neighbour's boundary. If you are not sure, ask your municipality's planning department.
• The exemption applies unless the municipal zoning plan or subdivision rules say otherwise. In protected areas and flood zones, there are extra conditions.

Penalty and indirect consequences

Why does this rule exist?

High walls block the neighbour's light and view. Keeping front-garden fences low keeps the street open and safe, and helps drivers see pedestrians.