A Standard 1800mm (1.8 metre) timber or colour-bonded metal dividing fences within Councils Residential Zones (R1, R2, R3 and R4).generally does not require Council approval.

Subdivisions 17, 18 and 19 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development) Code establish the development standards for Councils Residential, Rural and Business zones that permit certain fencing to be erected without the need to obtain an approval. Fencing that does not meet the development standards will require Council approval.

Dividing fences are a matter between adjoining landowners and not within Council's jurisdiction.

The State Government's Dividing Fences Act, 1991 addresses how the cost of a dividing fence is shared between adjoining land owners, where an owner wants to erect a dividing fence or wants work done on an existing dividing fence.

The Act also sets out the procedure for resolving disputes involving the cost, type and position of a fence. Advice should be sought from other sources such as Law Access NSW.

A Standard 1800mm (1.8 metre) timber or colour-bonded metal dividing fences within Councils Residential Zones (R1, R2, R3 and R4) generally does not require Council approval.

Subdivisions 17, 18 and 19 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development) Code establish the development standards for Councils Residential, Rural and Business zones that permit certain fencing to be erected without the need to obtain an approval. Fencing that does not meet the development standards will require Council approval.

The NSW Dividing Fences Act 1991 does not impose any liability on a council to contribute to dividing fences on land owned or managed by the council for any other public purpose including public reserves, public parks and public roads. Coffs Harbour City Council does not generally contribute to boundary fences adjoining lands defined by Section 25(1) of the Dividing Fences Act 1991, including but not limited to:

• Public reserves
• Drainage reserves
• Parks
• Roads
• Pathways
• Public Roads
• Crown Land managed by Council
• Crown Land under Trust managed by Council

An owner wanting an adjoining owner to share in the cost of a dividing fence must first serve a Fencing Notice on that adjoining owner (personally or by post). Unless urgent fencing work is required, no fencing work for which a land owner seeks a contribution from an adjoining owner should be done until agreement is reached or an order is made by the local land board or local court.

​In accordance with the Dividing Fences Act 1991, an owner wanting an adjoining owner to share in the cost of a dividing fence must first serve a Fencing Notice on that adjoining owner (personally or by post). Unless urgent fencing work is required, no fencing work for which a land owner seeks a contribution from an adjoining owner should be done until agreement is reached.

To assist property owner’s contact their adjoining neighbours, who do not reside on their property or whereby the property is vacant land, Council will forward their completed Fencing Notice on their behalf.

Completed Fencing Notices can be returned to Council in person, via post or email.

Please Note: Council will forward a Fencing Notice(s) to the postal address of the adjoining property owner(s) but accepts no responsibility for the receipt or outcome of the notice(s).

If you require assistance in completing this form please contact Council 02 6648 4000 during business hours.

NO - Property ownership details are held on Council's Rates Register. This register is not a public register and ownership details are used for the purpose of issuing rates and charges pursuant to the Local Government Act.

However, to assist property owner's contact their adjoining neighbours, who do not reside on their property or whereby the property is vacant land, Council will forward their completed Fencing Notice on their behalf.