RETAINING WALLS
mThe maximum permissible height for retaining walls visible from the public realm is 1.2m.
mSide fencing constructed on top of a retaining wall may not exceed a combined height of 2m.
mFencing visible from the public realm constructed on top of a retaining wall (where the retaining wall exceeds 1m in height) must be high quality feature fencing.
mRetaining walls visible from the public realm must be constructed from suitable materials, such as masonry, split face blocks, stone or rendered masonry. Unpainted timber panels/boards are not permitted unless they are of a high architectural quality such as recycled sleepers. Unfinished concrete walls/blocks are prohibited.
mFencing constructed on top of a retaining wall (visible from the public realm) must be setback a minimum of 400mm from the inner edge of that retaining wall. This setback must be suitably landscaped and maintained.
LANDSCAPING OF THE FRONT YARD
mA landscape plan of the front yard must be submitted as part of the application, showing the species of plants to be used, where they are to be planted, the total number of each species, and the size of each plant, either as pot size or trunk diameter.
mAt least 20% of the area of the front yard must be garden beds. Beds must be mulched with at least 25 mm depth of bark, other organic material, or stones, and edged with a long-lasting material.
mAt least one tree must be planted in the front yard, and one in the rear yard. The trees must have a mature height of at least 5 m, and be at least 2 m high when planted.
For additional Landscaping information refer to section 9.0 Front Landscaping Inspiration. Details include model front garden designs, a materiality schedule and street hedging.
GENERAL FENCING
mFencing must not exceed 1.8m in height (including capping).
mSide fencing forward of the dwelling is only acceptable where a front fence is in place.
mRear yard fencing must be set back at least 1 m from the nearest front corner of the house.
mFor a fence within 9 metres of a point of intersection of street alignments and exceeding 1 metre in height, the report and consent of the municipal building surveyor must be obtained.
FRONT YARD FENCING
The front boundary of the lot must be marked by a fence, wall, hedge, or a combination of these, and not exceed 1200mm in height.
mA front fence may be made from timber or metal posts and rails, with the infill being: wooden or metal pickets or balusters; woven wire; laser-cut metal panels; or plain strand wire. It must have a plinth made from rendered masonry, stone, or wood. When viewed in elevation, the ratio of solids to void must be less than 1:2. (50% permeable). Must continue to a minimum of 1m behind the dwelling line alongside boundaries.
mA wall may be made from: face brick; rendered masonry; or solid metal panels. It must have no voids or a low proportion.
REAR YARD FENCING
mFencing of the rear yard for privacy must be made of timber palings and be no more than 1.8 m high above finished surface level.
mRear yard fencing must be set back at least 1 m from the nearest front corner of the house.
mThe maximum combined height of a fence and retaining wall must be no more than 2.0 m.
mEach return fence and gates must be made from 25 mm horizontal hardwood timber slats with a 10 mm gap between slats.
CORNER LOT FENCING
On a corner lot, the side fence next to a secondary street must be set back at least 4 m from the front corner of the house, or the length of the first habitable room, whichever is the greater.
The fencing along the secondary street must be 1.8m high lapped and capped timber palings with exposed posts. This type of fence is shown below:
Side fencing forward of the dwelling is only acceptable where a front fence is in-place.
ACCESS TO THE REAR YARD
mAccess must be provided to the rear yard by a gate in the return fence or by a rear door in the garage.
PRIVATE OPEN SPACE
mWhere possible, private open space must face north, east or west.
SWIMMING POOL
mA swimming pool must not be prominent if visual from the public realm. The pool must be fenced to comply with safety regulation, including to block physical access and not be climbable.
LETTERBOX
mThe letterbox must be traditional in style, substantial, and constructed from metal, timber, brick or rendered masonry. It must clearly display the street number.
    Simple pillar letterboxes |
   Fence and wall inserts |