Request a Quote
- 0411 574 687
Skip to content Request a Quote
A new fence or gate is one of the more straightforward upgrades a Northern Beaches home can make, but material choice, boundary rules and pool safety requirements all shape the outcome. This guide walks through the main material options, when a fence counts as exempt development, how costs are shared with a neighbour, and what to consider if you are adding automation to a gate.
For a full breakdown of what our team handles, see our gates and fences services page.
Timber remains a popular choice for boundary and privacy fencing across suburbs like Mona Vale and Forestville. It suits the coastal aesthetic well, though it needs regular sealing and inspection to hold up against salt air and moisture.
Aluminium is a common upgrade for homeowners after a lower-maintenance option. It resists corrosion better than timber in exposed coastal positions and holds its finish for longer without repainting.
Glass pool fencing is the standard choice where an unobstructed view matters, particularly around outdoor entertaining areas. Glass panels must meet AS1926.1 pool safety standards, and gates need compliant self-closing and self-latching hardware regardless of which material surrounds the pool.
The right material depends on your priorities around maintenance, privacy, budget and how exposed the site is to wind and salt.
Not every fence needs council approval. Under the NSW planning framework, some fencing work can proceed as exempt development if it meets specific development standards for height, location and, in the case of pool fencing, safety compliance. The NSW Government’s exempt development pathway sets out which standards apply, and whether your project qualifies depends on the fence height, its position relative to boundaries and street frontage, and your specific council area.
We never assume a project is exempt without checking it against the current standards for your site. Where a fence does not meet the exempt criteria, we can advise on the next steps and connect you with a certifier where required.
When a fence sits on a shared boundary, the cost of building or repairing it is generally split between neighbours under the Dividing Fences Act 1991 (NSW). The Act sets out how a “sufficient dividing fence” is defined and the process for reaching an agreement with a neighbour on cost and fence type.
If an agreement cannot be reached, either party can apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal for a dividing fences order, which can determine the type of fence and how costs are apportioned. Getting a written quote before raising the conversation with a neighbour makes this process considerably smoother.
Automated gates add convenience and a layer of security, particularly for driveways on busier Northern Beaches roads or properties with young families and pets. Options range from swing gate motors to sliding systems, with add-ons like intercom access, remote entry and solar backup for properties without easy power access near the gate line.
Automation adds a small amount of lead time to a fencing project for wiring and motor installation, so it is worth flagging early in the scope conversation rather than as an afterthought.
Many standard boundary fences fall under exempt development, but this depends on height, location and your specific council area. We check this against current planning rules before starting work.
Costs are typically shared under the Dividing Fences Act, though the exact split depends on the type of fence agreed between neighbours.
Glass and aluminium generally require less upkeep than timber in coastal conditions, though all pool fencing must meet AS1926.1 safety requirements regardless of material.
In most cases, yes, provided the gate structure and hinges can support a motor. We assess this during the site visit.
Whether you are replacing a boundary fence, adding pool safety fencing, or automating an existing gate, our team can scope the job and confirm what approvals apply to your site. Explore our gates and fences services or the full range of services we provide across the Northern Beaches. When you are ready to move forward, contact us to arrange a site visit and quote.
Please call us on 0411 574 687 or fill in the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.