Parkridge is one of Queenstown's most active new residential subdivisions. If you have recently settled on a section there, or you are in the process of building, fencing is probably on your radar. Here is what we know from working in Parkridge regularly.
What Are Design Covenants?
Most modern subdivisions in New Zealand have design covenants in place. These are legal restrictions registered on the title that dictate how properties in the development must look and be maintained. They exist to protect the quality and aesthetic consistency of the subdivision, which in turn protects property values.
Fencing is almost always covered by subdivision design covenants. They typically specify things like:
- Which materials are permitted or recommended
- Maximum fence heights
- Setback distances from boundaries and roads
- Whether front boundary fencing is allowed at all
- Colour restrictions
Important: Design covenants are binding. If you install fencing that breaches your covenant, you can be required to remove or modify it at your own cost. This is not a theoretical risk. It does happen.
Common Fencing in Parkridge
In Parkridge we build two boundary fences:
Timber Paling
The standard Parkridge boundary fence is a 1.8m capped timber paling fence with exposed posts. It is the usual choice for side and rear boundaries.
Smart Wall
Smart Wall sets timber infill panels into a black aluminium frame. It gives the same privacy as paling with a sharper finish, and it is generally accepted on side and rear boundaries at Parkridge.
What Is Usually Not Permitted
Front-of-property fencing is often restricted or prohibited entirely in new subdivisions. The intent is to maintain an open streetscape. Corrugated iron, chain-link, and certain metal or industrial-looking materials are commonly excluded by design guidelines.
Every fence at Parkridge needs Design Review Board approval before you build. It is worth checking your specific lot before committing to a style.
Always Check Your Specific Covenant
Every section title is different. The covenant on your section is the document that matters, not general information about what other people in the subdivision have done. Your covenant will be registered on your certificate of title. Your solicitor will have a copy, or you can request it through Land Information New Zealand (LINZ).
When in doubt, check the covenant first. Then talk to us. We have seen enough Parkridge sections to know what typically works, and we can help you pick a style that is both compliant and looks great.
Getting In Early
If you are still in the build process, it is worth thinking about fencing early. Coordination with your builder can make the installation much smoother, particularly for combination fence and retaining jobs, which are common on sloped Parkridge sections. Getting us involved before the landscaping is finished is almost always easier than trying to work around it afterwards.
Call Nate on 021 228 6735 for a free site visit and quote. We cover all of Parkridge and the wider Queenstown area.
Building in Parkridge?
We work in Parkridge regularly. Free site visits and quotes available.