Planning a Colorbond Fence in Adelaide: Where to Start

A new Colorbond fence looks simple from the street, but there are a few moving parts behind it.

You've got a neighbour to talk to, a boundary to confirm, council rules to check and a style to choose. Sorting these early saves a lot of back and forth later.

Illustration of a charcoal steel panel fence along a landscaped garden with trees and a hillside view

Illustrative image only. Not a New Fence Adelaide project.

Step 1: Confirm where the boundary is

Old fences aren't always on the true boundary.

  • Check your title plan or survey documents first.
  • If there's doubt or a history of disagreement, a licensed surveyor can mark the line.
  • Do this before any posts go in. It costs less than moving a fence later.

Step 2: Talk to your neighbour early

For a dividing fence, your neighbour is usually a partner in the project.

In South Australia the Fences Act 1975 sets out a formal notice process for dividing fence work. It covers how costs are shared and how a neighbour can object.

A friendly chat first makes the paperwork easier. The Legal Services Commission of South Australia has plain English information on how the notices work.

Step 3: Check council and planning rules

Many standard backyard fences don't need approval. These things can change that:

  • Fence height
  • Corner blocks and sight lines
  • Heritage areas
  • Fences sitting on top of retaining walls

Check with your council or PlanSA before you lock anything in.

Step 4: Walk the fence line

Take notes and photos as you go. Look for:

  • Sloping ground
  • Trees, garden beds and sheds
  • Retaining walls
  • An old fibro fence

Anything unusual is worth mentioning when you ask for a quote.

Step 5: Decide what the fence needs to do

Privacy, security, keeping a dog in, blocking a view or replacing something tired.

Your main goal helps guide the height, the style and whether you need a gate.

Quick checklist

  • ☐ Boundary confirmed
  • ☐ Neighbour spoken to
  • ☐ Council rules checked
  • ☐ Fence line photographed and noted
  • ☐ Main purpose of the fence decided

Where to go next

For a full overview of the steps, the Adelaide Colorbond fence planning guide is a good place to start.

For more detail on boundaries, neighbour notices and measuring up, see this step by step guide to planning your Colorbond fence.

When you're ready to talk about your own property, New Fence Adelaide has details on its Colorbond fencing service in Adelaide.

About this blog: Adelaide Colorbond Fence Planning shares practical planning tips for Adelaide homeowners. It was created for New Fence Adelaide and supports the Adelaide Colorbond Fence Guide. It isn't a separate fencing business.

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