Fencing

Replacement or changing of existing fencing

Changes or replacement of an existing residential fence may need development approval.
Generally, this is required when
  • The new fencing will be a greater height than 2.1m in height
  • The new fencing is a masonry fence greater than 1m in height
  • The fencing is a brush material

Our planning team will be able to advise you if an application is required. To help with the enquiry, they will ask
  • The property address (to determine the zoning of the property)
  • If the fence is at the front, rear or side of the property
  • If you are replacing like-for-like, or what changes you would like to do

Call us on 08 8372 5111, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm to discuss

Installation of new fencing

New residential fencing may need development approval.  
Generally, this is required when
  • The new fencing will be a greater height than 2.1m in height
  • The new fencing is a masonry fence greater than 1m in height
  • The fencing is a brush material
Once appropriate approvals have been granted (if required) then you can begin installation. 

 

If the fence is a shared fence, then the neighbours should be consulted prior, as fences should be regarded as a joint asset between neighbours. The Fences and The Law booklet from the Legal Services Commission is a good resource for approaching neighbour conversations. In this booklet, you will also find the following forms to notify neighbours
  • Form 1 – Notice of intention to erect a fence
  • Form 2 – Notice of intention to perform replacement, repair or maintenance work

You can also call the Legal Services Commission’s Helpline on 1300 366 424 for free legal advice Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm.

Damages to fencing

Damages to fencing from Private trees or works
Damages to fencing from private trees or works is a Civil issue and the Legal Services commission has resources available on their website as well as an information booklet, Fences and the Law, which answers the majority of the issues neighbours have with fencing between private properties, including the repair or replacement of damaged fencing.
 
You can contact the Legal Services Commission’s Helpline on 1300 366 424 for free legal advice Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm.

Damages to fencing from Council trees or works
If you believe that there has been lifting or damage to your fencing from Council owned street trees, please contact us on 08 8372 5111, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm. Our Customer Experience team will organise for an inspection of the tree with our City Arborists.

If a private fence has been damaged by a Council tree, for example a fallen branch landing on a fence, please email us at pobox1@unley.sa.gov.au with the incident details and photos of the damage. The report will be sent to the Local Government Association (LGA) where it will be independently assessed, and you will be contacted regarding the outcome.

 

 

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