Building a fence

The rules vary depending upon the type of street or boundary your property is located on.

Fences are permitted without the need for a resource consent if it complies with the rules below:

Properties on an Unclassified Road (local road)

In a front yard (first 4m) or on a front boundary the maximum fence height is 1.2m.

OR

For any fence over 1.2m in height the maximum height does not exceed 1.8m and the entire fence is visually permeable (can be seen through).

Properties on a Classified Road (through road such as Collector, Principle or Arterial road)

In a front yard or on a front boundary the maximum height does not exceed 1.2m.

OR

For any fence over 1.2m in height the maximum height does not exceed 1.8m and at least 50% across the entire front boundary is visually permeable (as measured by the total length of the front boundary and the height of the fence).

This map (755KB PDF) shows the location of Collector, Principle and Arterial roads.

On a boundary with a reserve, walkway or other publicly owned space 

The maximum height does not exceed 1.2m within 1.5m of the boundary.

OR

For any fence over 1.2m in height the maximum height does not exceed 1.8m and the entire fence is visually permeable.

On all other boundaries

The maximum height is 1.8m

Using board or paling fences?

Structural railings do not face a road, walkway or other publicly owned space.

Existing use rights

These rights apply to lawfully established residential fences that existed prior to 30 June  2012. An existing fence can be replaced with another fence, without the need for a resource consent, if it’s the same as the old fence. To determine if you are eligible for Existing Use Rights contact the Duty Planner on +64 3 546 0357.

Downloads

Download the full guide to building a fence (430KB PDF)

More information

If you have any questions you can contact the Customer Service Centre on +64 3 546 0200 and ask for the Duty Planner.