All You Need To Know About Fencing Law in Tauranga
What types of fencing does the law cover?
Aluminium and Pool Fencing
If you are looking for an attractive and durable fencing option for your pool area, aluminium pool fencing is a great choice. Aluminium is a strong and weather-resistant material that will not rust, rot or warp, making it a low-maintenance option for your pool fence. It is also available in a variety of styles and colours to suit your taste and budget.
Aluminium pool fencing is also a safe option for your pool area, as it is non-conductive and cannot be easily climbed. When installed properly, it will create a barrier between your pool and your home, preventing unsupervised access to the pool.
Timber Fencing
Fencing made from timber is a popular choice for both home and business owners. Timber is a natural product that is strong and durable, making it ideal for use as a fence. Timber fencing is available in a variety of styles and can be customised to suit your individual needs.
There are many benefits to using timber for your fence. Timber is a sustainable product, meaning it is environmentally friendly. It is also easy to maintain and repair, and can be painted or stained to suit your preference. Timber fencing is also a great way to add value to your property.
If you are looking for a fence that will last for many years to come, timber is an excellent choice. It is important to note that timber fences need to be regularly maintained in order to keep them looking their best. This includes painting or staining the fence to protect it from the elements, and checking the fence for damage regularly.
Glass Pool Fences
There are many reasons to install a glass pool fence. They are attractive, safe and durable. Glass pool fences come in a variety of styles to suit any home décor and budget.
Glass pool fences are made from tempered glass, which is much stronger than regular glass. Tempered glass is also used in car windshields and is less likely to shatter if broken.
Glass pool fences are available in a frameless or semi-frameless design. Frameless glass pool fences are supported by stainless steel spigots, which are drilled into the decking or paving around the pool. Semi-frameless glass pool fences have aluminium posts or rails between the glass panels.
Glass pool fences are a great way to keep children and pets safe around the pool. They provide a barrier between the pool and the rest of the property and can be customised to fit any size or shape pool.
Glass pool fences are also low maintenance and easy to clean. There is no need to paint or stain the fence, and glass panels can be cleaned with a hose or pressure washer.
Balustrades
A balustrade is a simplistic and clean style of fencing. It can be easily installed on a deck, balcony or retaining wall. They are typically made from aluminium making them a low-maintenance fencing option for your home.
If you value privacy when selecting a fence type, balustrades may not be the ideal choice due to their nature of being easy to see through. However, they are still very capable of creating that boundary and creating a safe space for family and pets.
Security Fencing
Security fencing is a type of fencing designed to protect people, property or animals from intruders. It is typically made from metal or wire and can be either permanent or temporary.
Security fencing is used in a variety of settings, including homes, businesses, schools and other public buildings. It is an effective way to deter criminals and keep people and property safe.
There are a number of different types of security fencing, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Metal fencing is strong and durable, but can be expensive. Wire fencing is less expensive, but may not be as strong.
Permanent security fencing is typically installed around the perimeter of a property. It is usually made from metal or concrete and can be customized to fit the specific needs of the property.
Temporary security fencing is often used at events or in construction zones. It is typically made from metal or plastic and can be easily removed when no longer needed.
Security fencing is an important part of keeping people and property safe. It is important to select the right type of fencing for the specific needs of the property and to have it installed by a professional.
Colour Panel Fencing
When it comes to choosing a fence, one of the most important factors to consider is the colour. A fence is a big investment, so you want to make sure it looks great for years to come.
Colour panel fencing is a great option for those who want a bit of privacy and security without compromising on style. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right colour for your fence.
The first thing to consider is the overall look of your home. If you have a modern home, you might want to choose a fence that has a clean, contemporary look. Black or white panel fencing is a great choice for this style of home.
If your home is more traditional, you might want to choose a fence that is more in keeping with that style. Brown or tan panel fencing would be a good choice for this type of home.
The second thing to consider is the colours of your neighbours' homes. You don't want your fence to stick out like a sore thumb, so it's important to choose a colour that will blend in with the rest of the houses on your street.
If most of your neighbours have white fences, you might want to choose a light-coloured fence so it doesn't look out of place. If your neighbours have dark-coloured fences, you might want to choose a darker-coloured fence so it matches their homes.
Who is responsible for maintaining fences?
In Tauranga, as in other parts of New Zealand, it is the responsibility of the fence owner to maintain their fence. This means that if your fence is in need of repair, it is your responsibility to fix it.
There are a few exceptions to this rule, however. If your fence is on the boundary between your property and your neighbour's property, then you are both responsible for maintaining the fence. This includes repairing and painting the fence. If your fence is damaged by a natural event, such as a storm, then your insurance company may cover the cost of repairs.
When can you erect a fence without permission?
How high can my fence be? You can usually build up to 2 metres in height without getting planning consent from the local council. However, it is best practice to check with your local council and get permission to avoid any issues or unwanted fines.
It should also be noted that fences to swimming pools will always require council permission and should never be erected without it. This ensures your fence will meet the requirements
What are the restrictions on fence height?
To check the height of your fence or hoarding against the 2.5 metre limit for this exemption, measure the vertical distance between the top of the structure and the supporting ground directly below.
Note that you will still need to comply with the requirements of the Fencing Act 1978 for boundary fences. In many cases, district plans made under the Resource Management Act 1991 may also require you to obtain resource consent for fences over a certain height (usually over 2 metres).
What are the rules about shared fences?
If you live in Tauranga and share a boundary fence with your neighbour, there are some important rules you need to be aware of.
Under the Fencing Act 1978, both you and your neighbour are equally responsible for maintaining the fence in a good and safe condition. This means that you are both required to contribute to the cost of repair or replacement if the fence is damaged or needs to be replaced.
In addition, you are both responsible for ensuring that the fence does not pose a safety hazard. If the fence is in a state of disrepair and poses a risk to public safety, you may be ordered by the Council to carry out repairs or replace the fence.
If you are thinking of erecting a boundary fence it is advised you contact your neighbour about sharing the cost and getting their consent. Any issues should be taken to the disputes tribunal.
If you have any disagreements with your neighbour about the fence, it is advisable to try and resolve the matter between yourselves first. If you are unable to reach an agreement, you can contact the Tauranga City Council for assistance.
Who pays for a fence if it needs to be replaced?
If you live in Tauranga and your fence needs to be replaced, who pays for it? This is a common question that we get asked a lot.
The answer to this question depends on a few factors. First, you need to determine if the fence is your responsibility or if it is the responsibility of your neighbours. If the fence is on your property, then you are most likely responsible for replacing it. If the fence is on your neighbour’s property, then they are most likely responsible for replacing it.
There are a few exceptions to this rule. If the fence is a shared fence, then both parties are responsible for paying for the replacement. Another exception is if the fence was damaged due to negligence on your part. For example, if you hit the fence with your car, then you would be responsible for paying for the replacement.
If you are unsure if you are responsible for replacing the fence, you can always contact your local council. They will be able to advise you on who is responsible for the fence and what needs to be done to replace it.
What should you do if you have a dispute with your neighbour about the fence?
If you have a dispute with your neighbour about the fence in Tauranga, the best course of action is to try to resolve the issue between yourselves first. If you are unable to come to an agreement, you can contact the Tauranga City Council for assistance.
A Disputes Tribunal can hear most claims relating to the Fencing Act, provided the claim does not exceed $30,000.
A court can also hear claims relating to the Fencing Act or for property damage, including issues a Disputes Tribunal cannot hear. Courts can award monetary compensation for damage caused by a tree and can order that a tree be removed or trimmed.
Claims to a District Court will almost certainly require the help of a lawyer and can be expensive.