Everything you need to know about council rules, NSW dividing fence laws, tree removal permits, pool barriers, and build timelines in the Blue Mountains.
Yes. Mountain storms and falling trees frequently damage fences. We provide fast, itemised written quotes formatted specifically for insurance company assessment and claim approval.
Most standard 30 to 50 metre boundary fences are completed within 2 to 3 days on-site once work begins. Lead times from quote approval to build day typically range from 1 to 3 weeks depending on material availability.
Yes. We install timber or steel under-fence plinths underneath Colorbond and timber panels. Plinths fill gaps on uneven mountain ground, prevent soil erosion, and stop dogs and pets from digging underneath.
We service the entire Blue Mountains corridor from Lithgow to Penrith, including Hartley, Mount Victoria, Blackheath, Medlow Bath, Katoomba, Leura, Wentworth Falls, Bullaburra, Lawson, Hazelbrook, Woodford, Linden, Faulconbridge, Springwood, Valley Heights, Warrimoo, Blaxland, Glenbrook, Lapstone, and Emu Plains.
Under the NSW Dividing Fences Act 1991, adjoining property owners are legally required to share the cost of a sufficient dividing fence equally (50/50). Before starting work, you must issue a formal Notice of Intention to Fence to your neighbour.
If a neighbour disagrees, you must serve them a formal Fencing Notice. If agreement is not reached within 1 month, you can apply for a Fencing Order through the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) or Local Court. Note: Blue Mountains City Council has no legal authority over dividing fence disputes.
If the tenant or managing agent cannot pass on your request, you can lodge an Informal Access Application with Blue Mountains City Council. Council will then contact the registered owner seeking permission to share their details.
Side and rear dividing fences up to 1.8 metres in height do not require formal council approval under the NSW Exempt Development Code. However, front garden fences are limited to 1.2 metres, and stricter rules apply in local heritage conservation zones.
Blue Mountains City Council will only contribute a 50% share if the adjoining Council land is used for commercial, investment, or office purposes. Council does not contribute to fencing costs for properties bordering public reserves, parks, or roads (see Blue Mountains City Council Fencing Policy).
Yes. Towns like Leura, Katoomba, and Blackheath contain designated Heritage Conservation Areas where front fences must complement the historical streetscape. High solid walls or modern steel panels facing the street in these zones usually require a Development Application (DA) or minor works consent from Blue Mountains City Council.
Fences along secondary road frontages or near driveways and intersections are generally restricted to 1.2 metres in height or must feature at least 50% visual transparency (such as picket or slat fencing) to maintain driver sightlines under NSW Planning Portal Standards.
No. Council regulations strictly prohibit gates from opening outwards onto public footpaths, nature strips, or roads due to pedestrian safety and public liability risks under NSW Exempt Development Provisions.
Yes, fences can be integrated on top of or behind masonry retaining walls on sloping Blue Mountains blocks. If the retaining wall exceeds 1 metre in height, or if the combined structure exceeds 1.8 metres, engineering certification and council consent are required under NSW Exempt Development Rules.
Yes. Trees and native vegetation are protected in the Blue Mountains. Clearing native bushland or removing trees—especially in C4 Environmental Living zones—requires a Tree Removal Permit from Blue Mountains City Council prior to construction.
You can build across easements provided the fence does not obstruct overland water flow or utility access. Asset protection guidelines must strictly comply with Sydney Water Asset Requirements and Blue Mountains City Council Controls prior to post-hole drilling.
Pool boundary barriers must measure at least 1.2 metres in height outside (or 1.8 metres inside), have gaps under 100mm, contain no footholds within a 900mm Non-Climbable Zone (NCZ), and feature a self-latching gate under AS 1926.1 and the NSW Swimming Pools Register.