Investing in building a fence for your property will go a long way in improving the security, privacy, and aesthetics of your home. To make sure that your investment into a fence is protected and you won’t need to go replace it prematurely, you need to make sure that your fence adheres to the local council fencing requirements. These regulations are enforced by the local council, and while they may seem over the top at times, they exist to ensure that the fence is built to the highest standards of safety, legal compliance, and environmental stewardship. This article aims to explain some of the fencing requirements in Ipswich and what that means for homeowners. 

Why should you follow the Ipswich Council fencing requirements? 

Safety 

The primary reason for following the regulations is to ensure the safety of the public. A fence that is not built according to the guidelines set by the city council can pose significant safety hazards. For instance, if the fence does not meet the height and setback regulations stipulated in the guidelines, it can pose a risk to pedestrians and drivers as it may impact the site of drivers, especially near or around corners. Additionally, pool fencing requirements are so strict because they have very obvious safety ramifications for children and pets if there is no barrier between the pool/spa and them. 

Legal compliance

Legal compliance is another crucial reason for following the regulations when building a fence. The city council has established requirements that must be met, such as obtaining the necessary permits and adhering to specific building codes. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, legal action, or even the removal of the fence, leading to a significant loss of investment.

Environmental considerations

In addition to safety and legal compliance, environmental considerations are also vital during fence construction. Fences built too close to waterways, for instance, can pose significant environmental hazards. Similarly, if the fence obstructs the view of the surrounding environment, it may detract from the aesthetics of the area, leading to potential disputes with neighbours. Additionally, using fencing materials that are beyond your standard fencing materials may cause issues; for example, you wouldn’t want to be building a new fence with asbestos-containing materials. Most homeowners will opt for the common materials for fencing such as timber, aluminium or steel. 

Fencing requirements in Ipswich 

Ipswich city council has its own fencing requirements, which may differ in your exact suburb or region. If you are building a fence that is beyond your standard height or setback, it’s a good idea to get on the phone with the local council to double-check your requirements before you start investing in the fence. This way, you can be sure to build a fence that won’t have any issues. Some of the restrictions that will apply to you as you build your fence in Ipswich include: 

Height restrictions

The Queensland Building Act 1975 is a piece of legislation that regulates the construction, maintenance, and safety of buildings in the area of Ipswich. According to this Act, as described in the Ipswich city council fencing requirements, any person who wishes to construct a fence or screen exceeding 2.0m in height above the natural ground surface is required to obtain building approval before commencing any construction work. 

The building approval process involves submitting an application that includes detailed plans and specifications of the proposed construction work, including the design and materials to be used, the location of the fence or screen, and the proposed height to the local council. But if your fence is 2m or less in height, you don’t need a building permit. For corner blocks, you may be required to have your fence set back further, or your fence height needs to be lower, this is to ensure that motorists don’t have their line of site impaired around corners. 

If you are building a boundary fence, learn more about your responsibility regarding boundary fences between neighbours. 

Swimming pool & spa fences

If you have a pool or spa must have a pool fence installed to meet requirements and large fines apply to those who don’t comply. Pool fences are taken so seriously across Australia, not just in Queensland, because of the safety implications they have for the public including children and pets. For Swimming pool & Spa fences in QLD, a building permit & minimum height of 1.2m are must-have requirements. A non-climbable zone within 900mm of pool barrier is a requirement which means that no branches, climable objects or even the fence itself cannot be climbed by children. There must also be a secured gate. 

Permit Requirements  for fencing contractors 

Depending on the cost of the fence, to construct a fence, one needs a QBCC license unless the fence will be built on agricultural or pastoral land or on non-agricultural or non-pastoral land by the landowner and the value of the fence is less than $11,000 or $3,300, respectively, as per the QBCC Act and QBCC Regulation. If you are unsure, speak to your fencing company to learn more about whether or not a license is required for your fence. 

It’s important to note that the cost thresholds for permits and licenses can change, so it’s best to check with the local council for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, consulting with a licensed fence contractor can help ensure that you meet all the relevant requirements and avoid any potential issues down the line if you are building anything beyond the standard fence.
The regulations are there to keep the public safe, prevent you from being fined or needing to replace a fence at your own cost and, finally, to promote a cohesive environment around the neighbourhood. Connecting with a local Ipswich fencer is one way to navigate the system of fencing requirements in the area; not only will they be familiar with the different sub-areas in the council, but they will be familiar with soil types, weather patterns and local trends. We offer free onsite measures and quotes, get in touch with us today to start building your fence ensuring you meet all the requirements.