Installing a new fence?
Here are some helpful links to information about fences.
The Fences Act 1975 (SA) regulates the erection, placement, maintenance and repair of fences in South Australia. The Legal Services Commission Fences and the Law booklet contains helpful information the act including answers to common questions: https://lsc.sa.gov.au/
The Fences Act 1975 (SA) does not apply to land:
- Comprising a single parcel of more than one hectare in area; or
- In a public road or road reserve
- Held by the Crown or any council for the purposes of controlling access to a road or proposed road from land abutting the road
- Used by the Crown or any council solely or principally for the purpose of drainage
Do I need approval?
Fences may require a Development Approval.
What if my property adjoins Council land?
Council will not contribute to the costs associated with fencing if the property:
- Adjoins a walkway
- Adjoins a reserve over 1 hectare in size
- Adjoins a drainage reserve, or an area used principally for drainage purposes
- Adjoins a public road or road reserve
In these cases the resident is fully responsible for the cost of the fence, in line with the Fences Act 1975.
If the above do not apply, Council may contribute to half cost of typical fencing in the area.
The proposal and a minimum of two quotes are to be provided to Council in writing for consideration. Once an agreement is reached, the applicant will be responsible to undertake works at their convenience and pay the full amount to the contractor. Once the agreed works are completed, the applicant needs to submit a letter of claim for the agreed amount along with a copy of the fencing contractors Tax Invoice.
Instances where access is required via Council property a permit to be issued.
Proposals can be sent in writing to council@charlessturt.sa.gov.au with a copy of the two quotes attached for consideration.
Pedestrian sight lines and distances
The Australian Standard and the Planning Code require that fences next to a driveway be constructed no higher than 1m to ensure that a driver can see pedestrians on the footpath. This applies to front fences and side fences within 2.0m of a driveway, for the first 2.5m back from the front boundary. While fences should be installed in line with this standard for public safety, Council is unable to enforce this as a requirement.
Clear sight lines (as shown in the accompanying graphic titled 'Minimum Sight Lines For Pedestrian Safety') shall be provided at the property line to ensure adequate visibility between vehicles leaving the car park or domestic driveway and pedestrians on the frontage road footpath.
Graffiti on fences
Graffiti on fences or building walls can be reported here.