Do Driveway Gates Need Planning Permission? (We Checked)
Driveway gates can add a touch of elegance and security to your home, but installing one can be a complicated process. One of the biggest questions homeowners have is whether they need planning permission to install a driveway gate.
Whether you need planning permission for your driveway gate is determined by local zoning laws and regulations. In many cases, you won’t need planning permission as long as your gate does not exceed certain measurements. However, it’s always best to double-check with a city official to make sure.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the planning permission requirements for driveway gates in depth. We’ll also provide tips on what to consider when installing a driveway gate and how to ensure that your new gate meets all the necessary regulations.
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Here’s a Quick Pro Tip!
Alternative products to keep people off your driveway:
1. No Turn Around Sign– deters people from using your driveway as a public turn-around spot.
2. Security Cameras– used to identify who is using your driveway.
3. Retractable Driveway Guard – a perfect alternative if you don’t want to install a permanent gate.
Why You Want a Driveway Gate
One might want to install a driveway gate on their property for several reasons, the main reason being privacy. A gate blocks any unwanted strays from using your lawn to do their business, and it also prevents random cars from using your driveway as a turn-around spot.
Another reason one might want to install a driveway gate is the added layer of security.
Driveway Gates Deters Burglars
A driveway gate can be seen as an extra obstacle to conquer in the eyes of a burglar, and this extra step could discourage them from even attempting to enter your property.
Burglars also know that it would look suspicious if anyone saw them climbing your driveway gate.
These gates make your property less attractive to burglars, and they assume that you also have security measures behind the gates, like security cameras or guard dogs.
When You Do (and Don’t), Need Planning Permission
It is definitely legal to add a gate to your driveway. However, you need to contact your city zoning department to enquire as to whether you need planning permissions or not.
Generally, if you are installing a driveway gate that is part of a larger fence or wall and it exceeds certain height and width dimensions, you would need planning permission.
On the other hand, if you’re only updating your current driveway gate and not adding any height, you will probably not need any planning permissions.
If it is revealed that you did not get planning permissions when the local building department needed them, you could run into some legal trouble.
Different states have different laws, but you can expect to pay a fine, and the city might expect you to modify your driveway gate if it’s built against regulations.
Other Driveway Gate Quandries
Depending on several factors, driveway gates are usually between five and seven feet high. If you want to make your gate taller, you should be aware of local zoning laws and if you need planning permission.
Driveway Gates Open Outwards
It’s best to have your driveway gate open inward. This would make it easier to enter your driveway ( your gate won’t hit your car when you open it), and you can rest assured that you’re not breaking any laws.
If your driveway gate is close to the end of your driveway and the gate opens outward, you could be breaking local building codes.
It’s also not very practical to have the gates open outward as it could block your view of oncoming traffic on the road. It might even open onto the road and be a driving hazard to anyone driving past.
You might also enjoy our post on Whether You Can Put Spike Strips On Your Driveway
Final Thoughts
It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to building regulations and codes.
You can hire a contractor, who would know of local zoning laws, or you can contact the city yourself and enquire about the relevant building codes for driveway gates.
