Where will people move?
Map footpaths, entries, vehicle crossings, neighbouring doors, accessible routes, loading areas and any route that must remain open beside the site.
Construction hoarding decision guide
Class A vs Class B Hoarding: A Planning Checklist
Choosing a construction hoarding approach starts with the public interface, overhead risk, site geometry, land ownership, access and the accepted design and approval documents. A label alone is not a compliant scope.
For construction delivery support, explore SCE’s Construction Services page.
Direct answer
What is the practical difference between Class A and Class B hoarding?
Class A commonly describes a ground-level perimeter barrier that separates a worksite from people outside it and helps control access. Class B commonly describes an overhead protective structure or gantry used where people may pass beside or beneath work and an overhead exposure must be addressed.
The applicable authority code, accepted design, site conditions and approval documents control the final classification and requirements. Project teams should not select a system from the class name alone.
Planning comparison
Class A and Class B hoarding at a glance
The table is a scoping aid. It does not replace the definitions, performance criteria or documentation required by the relevant authority and project team.
| Decision factor | Class A planning focus | Class B planning focus |
|---|---|---|
| Primary function | Separate the worksite from the public at ground level and control access through a defined perimeter. | Provide a controlled overhead protection arrangement where a public or access route continues beside or beneath work. |
| Public interface | Footpath edges, site boundaries, gates, sightlines, signage and the condition of the adjacent walking surface. | All Class A interface issues plus clearances, overhead work exposure, structural supports and the protected route. |
| Design and approvals | Site layout, stability, wind and imposed actions, access, services, finishes and authority conditions as applicable. | Project-specific structural and temporary-works documentation, overhead protection requirements, support layout and authority conditions. |
| Operations | Gate control, damage checks, signage, lighting where required, housekeeping and unauthorised alteration control. | All relevant perimeter controls plus overhead-work coordination, clearance management and inspections defined by the accepted documents. |
Terminology and approval triggers vary. Use the current authority code and project documentation for the exact site.
Scope definition
Four questions to answer before selecting the class
What can occur above the boundary?
Identify work faces, materials, plant, lifting, demolition, facade access and other activities that could create an overhead exposure near the public interface.
Who controls the land?
Confirm whether the structure or working space affects private land, a footpath, public road, authority asset, neighbouring property or an easement.
Who owns each assurance step?
Record the parties responsible for design, review, certification, authority approval, construction, inspection, maintenance, alteration and removal.
Approval preparation
Build the approval pathway before site installation
City of Sydney guidance requires approval before temporary structures, including hoardings and scaffolding, are installed in, on or above a public road. Other councils and asset owners may use different processes, so the location and land interface must be confirmed early.
Clarify the authority triggers
- Does the structure occupy or project over a footpath, road or other public place?
- Will pedestrian, accessible or vehicle movements change?
- Are separate road, traffic, heritage, artwork, lighting or utility conditions relevant?
- Does the authority require consultation, an application, fees, bonds, inspections or notice before removal?
Prepare a controlled document set
- site plan, boundary, public interface and proposed footprint;
- accepted temporary-works and structural documentation where required;
- authority application, conditions and current approved drawings;
- pedestrian, access and traffic controls relevant to the installation;
- inspection, maintenance, alteration, incident and removal responsibilities.
Role clarity
Define design, construction and certification responsibilities
Sydney Contracting Engineers Pty Ltd, trading as SCE Corp, is NSW DBP registered. That registration does not replace project-specific design, certification, declarations or authority approvals.
SCE delivers engineering, design, procurement and construction through its qualified team and appointed specialists, including an integrated design-and-construct scope where agreed. The project documents identify who designs and reviews the temporary works, who installs and maintains them, and who provides required certification. Statutory approvals and required independent functions remain with the relevant authorities and separately appointed practitioners.
Construction readiness
What the site team should control
The accepted design and authority conditions remain controlling. A practical readiness review should cover the following items before installation and throughout use.
- current approved drawings and scope available to the responsible team;
- survey, boundary, service and access constraints confirmed;
- pedestrian and vehicle routes coordinated with the installation sequence;
- gates, locks, signage, lighting and sightlines defined where applicable;
- support locations and interfaces checked against site conditions;
- inspection and maintenance responsibilities assigned and recorded;
- changes, damage and incidents escalated before the arrangement is altered;
- removal and public-area reinstatement requirements planned.
SCE scope pathway
Information SCE needs to review a construction package
SCE can develop and deliver the engineering, design, procurement and construction package around the site geometry, public interface, overhead exposure, access and programme. Bring the available information at the planning stage so design gaps, authority submissions and installation responsibilities can be identified before mobilisation.
Provide the site address, current photographs, site and boundary plans, proposed footprint and height, public-road or footpath interface, available design documents, authority correspondence, programme, access arrangements and the responsibilities already assigned to consultants and approving parties.
Explore SCE’s Construction Services page for engineering, procurement and construction delivery, then discuss how the hoarding package connects to the wider project.
Authoritative references
Current public-interface and approval guidance
These official sources explain City of Sydney temporary-structure controls and the SafeWork NSW code-of-practice pathway. The exact project jurisdiction and accepted documents remain controlling.
- City of Sydney: Code of practice for construction-related temporary structures on and above roads Sets out the City’s public-interface, design and operational framework for temporary structures.
- City of Sydney: Get approval for temporary structures on or above a public road Explains the current City application pathway for affected public-road interfaces.
- SafeWork NSW: Codes of practice Provides the current NSW code-of-practice library for applicable work health and safety guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Construction hoarding planning questions
Is Class A hoarding the same as ordinary site fencing?
Not necessarily. Class A commonly refers to a defined ground-level barrier arrangement at the public interface, while ordinary fencing may have a different purpose, construction and approval pathway. The authority definition, accepted design and project conditions decide what is required for the site.
When might Class B hoarding be considered?
Class B is commonly considered where people need to pass beside or beneath work and an overhead exposure must be managed through a project-specific protective structure or gantry. The final solution must follow the applicable authority criteria and accepted design documentation.
Is council approval always required for construction hoarding?
Approval requirements depend on the council, land ownership, public-road or footpath interface, structure and work. City of Sydney guidance requires approval before temporary structures are installed in, on or above a public road. Confirm the exact authority pathway and any separate permissions for the site before installation.
Who designs and certifies construction hoarding?
The project must appoint the designers, engineers, certifiers or registered practitioners required by its scope and approval conditions. SCE can provide engineering, design, procurement and construction through its qualified team and appointed specialists. The appointment must identify each design and review responsibility, while statutory approvals and required independent certification remain with the relevant authorised parties.
What information should be ready before requesting a hoarding scope review?
Prepare the site address, photographs, boundary and public-interface details, proposed class and footprint, available design documents, authority correspondence, access and traffic constraints, programme, installation and removal requirements, and the parties responsible for design, approval, inspection and maintenance.
Prepare a controlled enquiry
Discuss a defined construction hoarding package
Send the site location, public interface, proposed class, current design and approval status, access constraints and programme for an initial suitability review.
General information only. Hoarding classification, design, certification, approvals, pedestrian and traffic controls, installation, inspection, maintenance and removal requirements must be established for the specific site by the appropriately appointed parties and relevant authorities.