Fences are normally constructed on a property boundary line to define differing uses such as between parks and open spaces and road reserve. They may be built off the boundary line where physical features of the land prevent it, or where competing uses within an area necessitate specific delineation.
Consider the following:
Fences and gates adjacent to roadways, must comply with road related standards and guidelines (clear zones, spearing hazards).
Positioning of fences, gates and mowing strips must take into account natural drainage lines and overland flows to prevent trapping of water and ponding.
Pedestrian gates are to be located at the safest point of entry and exit, positioned to allow unobstructed views of oncoming pedestrian, cyclist and vehicular traffic.
Ease of removal of waste services bins for emptying to collection trucks.
Proximity of gates to amenities buildings to enable cleaning service vehicle and personnel access to the facility which is to be cleaned.
Install gates to provide the most direct pedestrian access from connecting of pathways.
Vehicle gates are to be positioned on a fence line or recessed into a park or open space, in the most suitable place for ease of access for maintenance, waste removal and emergency vehicles.
For the most appropriate placement of vehicle access gates consult the appropriate Council department.
Gates are to provide clear vehicle access, free of obstructions such as trees, garden beds and furniture.
Where a vehicle gate is accessed via a sealed road:
paint a yellow ‘no stopping’ line across the entry to prevent vehicles parking and blocking the gate.
install ‘emergency and maintenance vehicle only’ signs to each end of a parking bay near the gate entry.
Vehicle gates (where concreted under) are to include a trafficable reinforced vehicle crossover. Some locations may require a more heavy duty vehicle crossing. Consider the following:
large trucks to top up playground surfacing.
excavators used for beach sand nourishment.
crane trucks for replacement of superseded shelters and installation of beach access stairs.
trucks used for garden maintenance delivery of mulch and soil.
waste removal services trucks.
cleaning services vehicles.
Where maintenance vehicles are repeatedly crossing a formal pathway, it must be strengthened/upgraded to withstand the load of plant vehicles.
Consider future design for pedestrian and cycle facilities when locating gates.
Install lightweight removable bollards in place of a vehicle access gate when the following occurs:
a pathway runs immediately parallel to other pavement areas.
there is insufficient space for a gate system.
the gate system will impact passing pathway foot traffic (the gate will open across the pathway).
See the following for further guidance:
Figure 21 and 22: Typical provision for maintenance vehicles.
The following diagrams illustrate possible vehicle access gate configurations which allow safe parking of a maintenance vehicle, and exit of the vehicle to open a gate (Options 1 and 2). Options 3 and 4 illustrate removable bollards employed as a vehicle access gate.
* Note: At sites where there may be ongoing vehicles blocking the driveway access, consider a yellow ‘no stopping’ line marking across the driveway to prevent vehicles blocking the entry.
Figure 21: Typical provision for maintenance vehicles (options 1 and 2)
Option 1
Option 2
Figure 22: Typical provision for maintenance vehicles (options 3 and 4)
bottom of fence and top of concrete strip/finished level (FL)
100 mm max
to provide a secure environment where children cannot crawl under the fence
Gap between fence and FL – dog off leash park
bottom of fence and top of concrete strip/finished level (FL)
50 mm max
to prevent small dog escapes
Fences and gates
fence or gate componentry
ensure min 12 mm gap both sides of any gate, hinge side and latch side
prevent finger entrapment hazards/crushing of fingers
any other item
2.5 m
for deck mower clearance (where possible). Avoid creating small difficult to mow areas
Pedestrian gate
fence post both sides
12 mm
to prevent finger entrapment
between gate posts
1.0 m
clear pedestrian/mobility device access
latch side gate post
510 mm
clear of obstacles for wheelchair manoeuvre
hinge side gate post
530 mm
clear of obstacles for wheelchair manoeuvre
Fence
seat located in a dog off leash park
2.0 m
to prevent dog escapes
seat located in a fenced play space
2.0 m
to prevent a child from climbing over the fence
Fence (smooth)
pathway
300 mm
cyclist and pedestrian safety
Fence
edge of pathway
500 mm
for pedestrian and cyclist safety, comply with Austroads 500 mm min offset from path edge to any obstacle.
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Sunshine Coast Open Space Landscape Infrastructure Manual (LIM) DISCLAIMER
Disclaimer
Information contained in this document may change without notice and you should use the current material available from Council’s website and not rely on material previously printed or stored by you.
All figures and diagrams are intended to be used as an aid to design and include Council’s preferred elements but they are not intended to be prescriptive and may need to be varied as dictated by site specific factors. While Council has exercised reasonable care in preparing this document, it does not warrant or represent that it is accurate or complete. The Council will not accept responsibility for any loss, damage, cost or expense that you may incur as a result of the use of or reliance upon any material contained in this document.
This document is produced to convey general information and is not intended to constitute advice whether professional or legal. Any reference to legislation in this document is not an interpretation of the law. It is to be used as a guide only. Consult relevant authority websites for current documents, revisions and amendments.
Where a particular product or supplier is profiled in this document, Council is NOT nominating this product or supplier as the selected choice. Product/supplier information has been provided to allow users to source products which contain the correct elements required for Council embellishments. Each product profiled states ‘or equivalent’ which means that different products may be supplied provided they satisfy the identified performance criteria, recommended standards, equal access guidance and product specifications.
Product design, manufacture and installation requires appropriately qualified people to provide site specific solutions to ensure the embellishment is appropriately adapted to local conditions and data.
This document does not override requirements stipulated in a development approval. Project specific variations may be appropriate as a result of site, environmental or other constraints. Any variations to these standards must be approved in writing by council prior to commencement of variation works. Components of this document may be used within a contract document but users should undertake their own investigations to confirm the information is suitable for this purpose.
Drawings contained in this document are NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION.
Details in this document are deemed to be the minimum standard and the user may wish to apply a higher standard subject to approval by council.
Acknowledgements
Council wishes to thank all contributors and stakeholders involved in the development of this document.
Copyright
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