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What councils around Newcastle want to see

Fencing sits across two separate council questions: is the fence allowed (a planning question), and, for pools, is the barrier compliant (a safety question). They are handled differently.

Pools

In the Newcastle area, a Swimming Pool Certificate of Compliance can be obtained through the City of Newcastle or an accredited private certifier, and the pool must be registered on the NSW Swimming Pool Register first. A recent Occupation Certificate (commonly under three years old) can sometimes stand in for a separate compliance certificate if registration is also shown. Certificates are typically valid for around three years. Fees and timeframes are set by council and change, so confirm the current ones directly.

Fences

A standard side or rear fence within the exempt-development height limits usually needs no approval at all. Over the limits, or in a heritage, bushfire, flood or foreshore situation, you may need a Complying Development Certificate or a Development Application.

The safest habit: check your own council's current requirements for your address before you commit, because local plans and fees differ and change over time.

This is general information, not professional advice; your council is the authority for your address. We build to the standards; a certifier or council signs off the compliance side. Book a free measure to get started.

Ready to get started? Book a free on-site measure. We'll build to the standard and point you to the right certifier or council for the sign-off, and come back with a fixed written quote.
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