There are two issues you will need to contact the Council about when you are considering building a boundary fence, as there may be a need to apply for a resource consent as well as a building consent:
It is likely that you will need a resource consent for any fence that is over 2m in height (the height includes any trellis you may wish to put on top). It is strongly advised that you speak to the Duty Planner if you intend to build a fence over 2m in height.
You will need a building consent where any exterior walls, fences and hoardings are over 2.5 metres in height. The 2.5 metre height limit should be measured as the vertical distance between the top of the fence and the supporting ground directly below.
The Council needs to know how you intend to build the fence to make sure it is safe. Please contact us to speak to the Duty Building Consent Officer for advice on how the Council expects the fence to be constructed or log a service request through our online make a query form.
Some subdividers feel that control over the type of
fencing is very important in establishing the character of
the development. In one Christchurch subdivision new
owners may not build any fence closer than 7.5 metres
to the frontage of the main street or 3 metres from other
roads without first obtaining written permission from the
subdivider. Some developers stipulate that new owners
cannot erect any corrugated or flat metal fences or post
and wire fences.
New subdivisions can be laid out to avoid high fences
visible to the public. If houses face rather than back on
to roads and open spaces, then private gardens
screened by high fences will be out of sight.