Swimming pool fence consents

This consent is for a swimming or spa pool fence only, but can include the backflow provisions for a spa pool.  A backflow discharge point such as a gulley trap must be provided for a spa pool.

The construction of a swimming pool is outside the scope of this pre-paid consent.

To protect young children from drowning in private swimming pools the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 requires that all swimming pools and spas capable of holding more than 400mm depth of water must be fenced. Some key points to remember are:

  • The fence must be at least 1.2m high above the ground or any step on the outside of the fence and the fence must completely enclose that part of the property in which the pool is situated.
  • The fence must be constructed so as to inhibit climbing from the outside or crawling underneath or through the fence.
  • Gates must open outwards and be self-closing and self-latching.
  • Where part of a building forms part of the pool fence, any doors or windows in that part of the building must be fitted with a locking device that prevents the window or door from being readily opened by children under the age of 6 years.

If you have any queries regarding pool fencing please come and see our Customer Service officers.

Download

Download the Swimming Pool Fence Consents application form (PDF @ 50KB).

Submitting the consent application

Lodging your consent at Council

Minimum documentation requirements must be met before Council Customer Services Officers can accept your application. These can be found as the last page of the downloadable application.

Assessing the consent against the New Zealand Building Code

Although there is a minimum requirement for documentation to be submitted with a building consent application, Council still must assess each application for compliance with the New Zealand Building Code. Find out more information about the New Zealand Building Code.

Council must also assess each application for compliance with any other relevant legislation or standards, such as the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act.

Fees

Council has set fees for Swimming Pool Fence Consents. They are based on average processing times and number of inspections.

Please note: if your application requires longer to process or re-inspections are required, you will receive an additional invoice.

Council is required to collect levies for the Department of Building and Housing and BRANZ.  These levies are based on the value of works $20,000 and over and are explained in the Fees and Charges Schedule.

Find out more about Building Consent fees and charges.