When a boundary fence is shared between private property and Council-owned land, such as a park, reserve or waterway, the Council may contribute to the cost of building or replacing the fence.
Before you start
If you're planning fence work along a boundary shared with Council land, please read the information below before submitting an application.
If you think Council may be responsible for part of the fencing costs, we strongly recommend you contact us first. This helps avoid delays and ensures the fence type and location are appropriate.
Call us on 03 941 8999 to discuss your proposal and to confirm that the Christchurch City Council is the legal owner of the neighbouring property before any work begins.
What Council will contribute
We will generally contribute either half the cost of the fence, or a set amount per linear metre, depending on the fence type — whichever is lower.
The contribution amount is confirmed once we review your application and supporting information.
Please note that:
- We do not pay for any painting, staining, or finishing of the fence.
- Contributions apply only to the fence itself and only where the boundary is shared with Council-owned land.
- We do not pay for any damage repairs that were caused by the owner, visitor or occupier of the adjoining property.
- We do not contribute to fences that border alleyways, which are considered legal roads.
If you need help or want to check whether your fence is eligible, phone us on 03 941 8999.
Apply for a fence contribution
To process your application, you’ll need to supply:
- A copy of the invoice for the completed work, including the contractor’s GST number.
- Your bank account details for reimbursement.
- Optional but helpful: a copy of the quote, along with any photos or plans of the fence.
