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Fences and hoardings

Exemption (d) of Schedule 1

A building consent is not required for the following building work:

(d) the construction or alteration of any wall (except a retaining wall), fence (except a fence as defined in section 2 of the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987), or hoarding, in each case of a height not exceeding 2 metres above the supporting ground.

Guidance

This exemption applies to walls, fences and hoardings in an exterior situation only, which are limited to 2 metres in height. It does not include a fence for the purpose of fencing a swimming or spa pool, as this will require a building consent.

Note: the requirements of the Fencing Act 1978 still need to be complied with for boundary fences.

Examples where this exemption could apply Examples where building consent is required
  • A building owner wishes to build a 2 metre high block wall along their boundary to offer some privacy to their back yard.
  • A building owner would like to erect a 1.8 metre high timber paling fence in their back yard.
  • A building owner proposes to erect a 3.5 metre high wire mesh fence around their tennis court. The court is situated well clear of any boundaries. This fence requires a building consent.
  • A homeowner wishes to erect a timber fence, with an overall height of 2.5 metres, along their rear boundary. This fence requires a building consent.