What height can I build my fence without approval?

Local council set the laws by which fences are to comply, usually detailed in the Local Development Control Plan, (obtained through your local council). For this reason different council shires can have different policies in regard to fencing, so no one rule can apply to all fences. Front fences often have to comply with council requirements, whereas side or boundary fences rairly do.

When considering the design of your new fence it is wise to consult with the local area council inspector to see if any particular laws may apply in your situation.

In general, you are allowed to replace a fence with a similar style, height and design without prior approval. If you property does not have a fence, it would be reasonable to assume the council would approve a new fence if it was similar to the surrounding existing fences, but a check with the local council is advised.

If the fence you require is a dividing fence between yourselves and other private residences, it would also be reasonable to assume the council would not have any issues if both the neighbours whose properties the fence divides, are in agreement.

As a general rule, most councils do not require approval for dividing fences under 1.8m, (6 feet) in height, or front fences under 1 metre.

How high can I build my fence?

Information Sheet on Pressure Treated Timbers (treated pine)

Pressure treated wood is wood that has undergone a process to make it more durable so that it is not susceptible to water, rot, termites, or fungus. Pressure treated wood is used for a variety of applications ranging from outdoor decking to utility poles, from railroad ties to playground equipment. Boat docks, aquarium stands and indoor pools are a few more examples. Pressure treated wood conserves and extends a valuable renewable resource and it is economical.

To make the wood so long lasting, it is first treated with chemical preservatives, then placed in a cylinder under pressure. The pressure forces the chemicals deep into the wood which then becomes a barrier against natural enemies like termites and decay. The effectiveness of pressure treated wood has been born out by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service in more than four decades of field testing. Because of its known efficacy, pressure treated wood is often guaranteed against termite infestation and decay for 40 years.

There are three main types of preservatives used in pressure treated wood: water-born preservatives, creosote and oil-borne preservatives. For residential indoor and outdoor use, wood treated with water-born preservatives is ideal. Some water-born preservatives are chromated copper arsenate (CCA), ammoniacal copper zinc arsenate (ACZA) and ammoniacal copper quat (ACQ). Water-born pressure treated wood is also used for many commercial and industrial applications, including traffic signposts and noise barriers.

Some uses for wood treated with creosote preservatives are bridges, guardrails, and docks, while utility poles, crossarms and indoor pools are a few examples of things made from wood treated with oil-born preservatives. Pressure treated wood is claimed to be safe in studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The chemical preservatives, most noteably arsenic, have not been found to leach into soil or water. Laboratory studies independent of the EPA also found no increased risk of cancer among those who work with pressure treated wood on a daily basis.

According to research conducted by the Texas A&M Laboratory along with the Southwest Research Institute, wood treated with water-born or creosote preservatives is even safe to use in the vegetable garden among edibles, for example as a trellises for tomatoes or vineyard support for grapes. However, pressure treated wood should not be consumed by humans or animals, and therefore should not be used where it might inadvertently end up in foodstuffs or feed. For example, a cutting board should not be made of pressure treated wood.

Treated Pine Paling Fence

How to design a fence

Fencing and gates can be constructed from many different materials including timber, brick, steel, iron, brushwood, glass, stone even natural planting or prefabricated materials. For some, fences are a matter of art and there are no limitations on the materials or styles that can be used.

Before choosing a design for your fence, you first need to determine your requirements. Fences are not only used as a boundary or divider, but are often designed with a special purpose. Some common requirements for fence design include:

Aesthetics – most commonly for front or courtyard fencing, decorative fencing can improve the look, or change the look of your home. Decorative fencing often takes advantage of a combination of different materials (such as brick piers and timber pickets), to form formal or traditional designs, often reflecting features already present in your home. A book is often judged by its cover, just as your home is judged by the first impression of a visitor. One of the best and quickest ways to add value and immediate appeal to your property is to construct a new decorative front fence and gate, maybe combined with an entrance arbor or pergola. See our online shop for more plans and ideas.

Privacy – privacy is a two way thing, and in most situations, is appreciated by both parties. If you have a concern regarding privacy first speak to your neighbours as you will most probably find they hold the same concerns. If you and your neighbour are in agreement, and no other properties are affected, in most cases you do not require further approvals before construction. The degree of privacy required will in some way affect the design and materials of the proposed privacy screen. For example, a solid screen could be made from solid material such as brick and stone, or a lightweight timber screen such as horizontal slat or lattice designs are usually constructed from timber.

Sound – todays most common cause of neighbourhood disputes stem from inappropriate sound, (noise). The most efficient material to reduce sound levels will depend upon the frequency of the sounds. A common misunderstanding is that the more solid the fence the more sound it will stop. Soundwaves vary in length, the higher the note the shorter the wavelength of that note, or, the lower the note, the longer the wavelength. To best way to reduce sound levels is by using a mixture of materials in the design allowing for the absorbtion and reflection of all of the soundwaves. A solid brick fence or similar will reflect high frquency sounds but transmits low frequency sounds. A brushwood, stacked timber or natural plant fence will absorb low frequency sounds.

Safety – such as pool fencing must be constructed in accordance with local council by-laws. Pool or safety fencing should be used not only around pools but around any significant risk, (such as cliffs, verandahs, external stairwells etc). The design of safety fencing should take into account these basic principles (in addition to local council requirements). They should be designed so that they are a minimum of 1.2 metres in height with out any horizontal foot holds. Vertical picket closely spaced or solid glass is most commonly used although any design that meets this standard could be used. Horizontal slats can be used as long as the spacing between the slats does not exceed 10mm. Care should be taken around salt water pools to protect steel fittings and surfaces from corrosion.

Security – one of the most common requirements of a fence is to add security. Security means piece of mind and when it comes to designing a fence for your property security should be considered. Basic security starts with the height and type of finish on the external side of the fence. Other measures including vertical spiked top pickets, lockable gates, electronic entrance security or intercoms should be considered at the design stage. Items such as lighting, intercoms, automatic door openers etc., should be included in the design to allow for required wiring or services.

Retaining – properly designed retaining walls are used to retain changes in ground level. A fence alone is not strong enough to withhold more than a couple of inches of soil. For neighbouring properties where the ground levels are different heights, the ground must be retained by a retaining wall. Retaining walls can be constructed from timber, brick, stone, block, concrete or other similar materials. Retaining walls over 1 metre high, or walls that are to take excessive loads should be designed by a structural engineer.

After you have decided on your preferred design, consult your neighbours. Most disputes regarding fences arise from a lack of communication. Information on your rights and obligations can be found under the ‘Dividing Fences Act of NSW’. Consult the local council regarding the proposed fencing material to check its suitability for the area. For example,Kurringai Council ban the use of brushwood fencing in some areas backing onto the national parks. Other local councils may have restrictions on height and materials for front fences and gates.

Generally, boundary or dividing fences are allowed up to 1.8m high without approval. With front fences, a development application may have to be lodged for fencing exceeding one metre in height.

Design your fence by combining illustrations or photographs from our website. Plans for construction can be found in our online shop for those who like to do it themselves.

All Day Fencing offer a free design and quotation for your fencing designs. We can also supply decorative fence posts, pergolas, arbors, gazebos and other do it yourself kits cut to size and delivered ready for assembly, at a fraction of the normal retail price!

For online bookings go to www.alldayfencing.com.au or call 1300 633 623.

Design a natural eco-friendly brushwood fence

[caption id="attachment_65" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Solid timber handmade post designs"][/caption]

Traditional Picket Fencing

Can I build a fence without approval?

All Day Fencing - Programmed Building Services

Local council set the laws by which fences are to comply, usually detailed in the Local Development Control Plan, (obtained through your local council).

For this reason different council shires can have different policies in regard to fencing, so no one rule can apply to all fences.

Front fences often have to comply with council requirements, whereas side or boundary fences rairly do.

When considering the design of your new fence it is wise to consult with the local area council inspector
to see if any particular laws may apply in your situation.

In general, you are allowed to replace a fence with a similar style, height and design without prior approval.
If you property does not have a fence, it would be reasonable to assume the council would approve a new fence if it was similar to the surrounding existing fences, but a check with the local council is advised.

If the fence you require is a dividing fence between yourselves and other private residences, it would also be reasonable to assume the council would not have any
issues if both the neighbours whose properties the fence divides, are in agreement.

As a general rule, most councils do not require approval for dividing fences under 1.8m, (6 feet) in height, or front fences under 1 metre.

For more detailed information on local fence controls and neighbour obligations, refer to www.alldayfencing.com.au/adfcouncil.php.

Sandstone retaining wall solutions to save you money!

Retaining walls designs for all applications

Retaining walls may look like simple stacked stone, block, or timber. But in fact, they’re carefully engineered systems that wage an ongoing battle with gravity. They restrain tons of saturated soil that would otherwise slump and slide away from a foundation or damage the surrounding landscape.
Retaining walls are designed to compliment the landscape as well as providing structural strength and drainage solutions.

These handsome barriers also make inviting spots to sit, and can increase usable yard space by terracing sloped properties, something that is increasingly important as flat home sites become ever more scarce in many regions.
Along with sloped landscapes where water runoff causes hillside erosion, ideal locations for a retaining wall include spots downhill from soil fault lines and where the downhill side of a foundation is losing supporting soil or its uphill side is under pressure from sliding soil.

Various soil loads and pressures require different treatment depending on the position of the retaining wall, the load it is designed to take and the use of materials in its construction.
Treated Pine retaining walls are the cheaper alternative providing the soil that is to be retained, and hence the soil pressure, is minimal.

Brick retaining walls and stacked concrete or stone block are stronger than treated pine and offer a choice of attractive finishes.
A retaining wall that is required to hold significant soil pressure should be
constructed from reinforced concrete or core filled concrete block. In some situations it is advisable for a structural engineer to
custom design a solution.
All Day Fencing install concrete block retaining systems and core-filled structural retaining wall systems made from faced concrete blocks. There are six colours currently available, Oatmeal, Bondi Blend, Sunstone, Port Blend, Charcoal and Fossil as shown below.

Traditional picket fencing adds value to your home if constructed from the features in your home!

If you own a Victorian, Edwardian or Federation home, picket fencing is the ideal choice to enhance the features present in your home. Design your fence using post and picket designs to match the original timberwork.
Pay attention to the finished timber sizes and moulding profiles as these are the key the replicating existing features.
Picket fencing can be constructed from LOSP primed treated timber or Australian hardwood. Treated timbers have a longer life expectancy than hardwoods and require less maintenance. If appliing a stain or varnish to your timber be aware of the high maintenance involved in keeping up the good looks!

All Day Fencing, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, 1300 633 623

Transform your home!

Transform your home and add maximum value!

Picket fence with entrance arbor

One of the easiest ways to add value to your home is by increasing its ’street appeal’.

What is Street Appeal?

Have you stopped to look at your home from the street? First impressions count. When a prospective purchaser first views your home it is their first impression that gets them through the door! Too often a good house remains hidden from inspection as the street frontage lacks appeal.

If you are considering selling or leasing your home, the object is to get potential clients through the door. The more clients through the door the more interest and the quicker the process will be. So, where to start?

If your home lacks street appeal, or even if it needs to be updated, you should consider the fencing and gates first. For a relatively small cost you can transform or renovate the exterior look of your home by merelychanging the fence style colour or material.

Apart from looks, new fencing and gates can provide the solution for many other issues such as noise absorbtion, security, wind breaks, privacy screens, landscaping benefits and much more.

 Create a tropical oasis with natural brushwood or tea tree fencing , or modernise your home with horizontal slat screen fencing. If you have the traditional cottage consider a new picket fence and gates, maybe add an entrance arbor (pergola).

View fencing, gates and other products at www.alldayfencing.com.au, the fencing professionals!

All Day Fencing – Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane. call 1300 633 623 for a free quotation.

Traditional Picket Fencing by All Day Fencing 1300 633 623

Why use Tea Tree Fencing?

*Natural, *Renewable, *Beautiful, *Durable…

Tea Tree (Ti’Tree) fencing is suitable for external application without chemical preservatives or special treatments.

The high oil content of Tea Tree provides a long lasting and durable protection against decay and helps maintain the rugged good looks without fading or cracking.

Tea Tree fencing is ideal for small spaces, helping to create an openness that only the soft natural shapes of the Australian bush can add. Visually appealing natural fencing is ideal for use in townhouse developments and terrace houses and immediately adds a feeling of space by removing the stark defined boundaries that paling or brick fences create.

Environmentally friendly Tea Tree fencing brings the Australian bush into your backyard! Tea Tree fences are constructed using large random sized sticks fixed to treated pine rails and galvanised steel posts for maximum durability.

Tea Tree fencing is suitable for short runs and feature walls and is a favorite amongst architects, landscapers and developers looking for something different. The high oil content of Tea Tree helps to preserve the fence without the addition of chemicals. Tea Tree fencing is suitable for high wind and salt exposed areas.

Contact All Day Fencing 1300 633 623 for your nearest installer, or book online at www.alldayfencing.com.au.

Tea Tree Vs Brushwood?

Tea Tree Fencing

Eco-friendly ..sustainable ..stunning brushwood fencing!

Create your own tropical oasis or bring some natural Australian bush features into your entertaining areas with All Day Fencing’s range of brushwood and tea tree fences.

Natural, Beautiful, Eco-friendly Brushwood and Tea Tree Fencing

Natural ..beautiful ..sustainable ..durable brushwood fencing

Environmentally friendly brushwood fencing is a labour intensive specialised industry requiring experienced and specially trained installers and tradesmen.
Each fence is constructed over a galvanised steel frame, hand thatched and finished with care and detail ensuring the longest maintenance free life. Brushwood can be used for fences, feature walls, screens and gazebo and pergola roofs.
Hand packed brushwood fences can be made to any size and shape, and can be fixed to most surfaces.
Handpacked brushwood fencing offers versatility in design allowing curves, bends and arch shapes that cannot be replicated using other fencing materials.
For difficult sites, sloping land, trees or other obstacles, handpacked brushwood, built to suit the landscape, is the preferred solution.
Popular with landscapers, architects, homeowners and garden designers, natural fencing is enjoying a new surge in popularity due to its environmentally friendly nature and high durability.
Brushwood fencing is ideal for small spaces, helping to create an openness that only the soft natural shapes of the Australian bush can add. Visually appealing brush fencing is ideal for use in townhouse developments and terrace houses and immediately adds a feeling of space by removing the stark defined boundaries that paling or brick fences create.
Call All Day Fencing on 1300 633 623 or book a free quotation online at our website; www.alldayfencing.com.au.