Emily Rivers
While building regulations do not apply to fences, there are other regulations that may apply. Read on to find out more about building regulations and the other restrictions that may affect your fences.
What are building regulations?
Building regulations are a set of standards that buildings and other structures must meet. They are enforced by the local authorities. Building regulations are designed to make sure buildings and structures are safe, environmentally friendly and suitable for the area.
What regulations apply to fences?
If your fence does not need planning permission and is covered by permitted development rights, you will not need building regulations approval. To find out more about planning permission for fences, see our article. If you are planning an especially high or large fence, you may find that building regulations are a requirement of planning consent.
If you carry out work on brick boundary walls that are adjacent to neighbouring properties and classed as ‘party fence walls’ you will need to notify the neighbour. This is to comply with the Party Wall Act. However, wooden fencing is not included in this act.
Responsibility for fences
The responsibility for maintaining fences lies with the owner of the fence. In fact, it is illegal to carry out work on fences that you do not own unless you have the permission of the owner. To find out who is legally responsible for boundary fences around your property you may need to refer to the original plans or title deeds.
You are also not allowed to fix objects to a fence that belongs to your neighbour without their permission. This includes hanging baskets and lighting.
While building regulations do not apply to fences, there are other regulations that do apply. Speak to your local authority as restrictions may apply in your area. These can include things like driver visibility for nearby roads as well as the right to light for neighbouring properties.
Remember that it is your responsibility to maintain fences that you own. Fences must be structurally sound. Other boundary markers like hedges must not cause a nuisance to others.
You can find out who your local authority is here. Their website may have information about any regulations that apply to fencing in your area.
