When you’re looking to secure your property with a new Chainwire fence, the last thing you want is a tap on the shoulder from the City of Newcastle. Navigating local planning laws can feel like a headache, but the good news is that most residential and industrial fencing in our region doesn’t require a formal Development Application (DA).

In NSW, a lot of fencing work falls under Exempt Development. This basically means that if you follow a few specific rules, you can get the job done without waiting weeks for council paperwork.

The General Rules for Newcastle Fences

No matter if you are in the CBD, Mayfield, or out toward Beresfield, most residential fences are exempt from approval if they meet these standards:

  • Height: Side and rear boundary fences can usually be up to 1.8 metres high. If you are using masonry (like a brick base), that limit often drops to 1.2 metres.
  • Frontage: Fences along the front boundary (the primary road) are generally restricted to 1.2 metres in height.
  • Corner Blocks: If you live on a corner, any fence along your secondary street frontage usually needs to be at least 20% transparent if it’s above a certain height, to ensure drivers can see around the bend.
  • Materials: For bushfire-prone areas in the Hunter, you’ll need to use non-combustible materials like galvanised steel Chainwire.
When You Will Need a Permit

When You Will Need a Permit

There are a few, stop and think moments where you absolutely must check with council before the first post goes in the ground:

  1. Heritage Areas: If your home is in a Heritage Conservation Area (like parts of Hamilton or The Hill), the council often has very specific rules about the style and colour of your fencing.
  2. Flood-Prone Land: In certain parts of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley that are subject to flooding, fences need to be designed so they don’t block the flow of water.
  3. Security Fencing: For industrial sites requiring high security Chainwire with barbed wire or razor toppings, different rules apply. Barbed wire is generally banned in standard residential zones but is common for commercial and industrial services.

The Dividing Fences Act

One thing council won’t get involved in is the who pays for what conversation with your neighbour. That’s covered by the Dividing Fences Act 1991.

The general rule is that neighbours should share the cost of a sufficient dividing fence. If you want a top-of-the-line security fence but your neighbour only wants a basic wire strand, you’ll likely be on the hook for the price difference. It’s always best to have a cuppa and a chat with the person next door before you book the installer.

Professional Advice on Local Laws

We’ve been installing Chainwire fencing across the Newcastle region for years, so we’ve seen just about every council curveball there is. If you aren’t sure if your plan meets the Exempt Development criteria, it is much cheaper to ask us first than to tear down a finished fence later.

At Chainwire Fencing Specialist, we can help you figure out the right height and material for your specific block. If you have a tricky site or a large-scale industrial project, feel free to contact us directly. Give our Newcastle team a call on 02 4023 5416 for a straightforward chat about your project.