Building Elements

2 - Building Elements

Building Elements

Fences

Objectives
  1. O.1To ensure fences complement and conserve the visual character of the street and neighbourhood.
  2. O.2To define the boundaries/edges between public and private land and between areas of different function.
  3. O.3To contribute positively to the public domain.
Design Principles
  1. P.1Front fences and landscaping should allow people in their homes to view street activity.
  2. P.2New fences and walls are to be constructed of robust and durable materials which reduce the possibility of graffiti. The materials should be compatible with the associated building.
  3. P.3Fences are to respond to the architectural character of the street and/or area and the buildings that they front, with streetscape character maintained on all street frontages.
  4. P.4Front fences should not be erected where the streetscape is characterised by an absence of front fences.
  5. P.5Use of continuous lengths of blank walls at street level is to be avoided.
  6. P.6Suitable planting should be used to soften the edges of fences at the interface of the public domain.
  7. P.7Sheet metal fencing is not to be used at the street frontage or forward of the building line or in locations that have an interface with the public domain.
  8. P.8Fencing should respond to the topography of a site.
  9. P.9Fences should not be constructed in floodways. Where this is unavoidable fences are to be constructed of flood compatible and open type materials that will not restrict the flow of flood waters and be resistant to blockage.
  10. P.10Front fences are to be a maximum height of 1.2metres. Where noise attenuation or protection of amenity require a higher fence, front fences may be permitted to a maximum height of 1.8 metres.

Note: Refer to Appendix - Neighbourhood Character Areas for details of the fencing characteristics associated with housing styles that characterise different areas. This is to be used to assist in the design of front fencing that fits sympathetically with housing styles and streetscapes in local context.

Note: The Special Character Areas referred to in Part 5.1 of this DCP contain specific requirements for fencing in order to protect the streetscape character in those areas. Some Special Character Areas are characterised by an absence of front fences and new front fences should not be erected in these areas.