Can Automatic Driveway Gates Open Outwards?

As a proud homeowner, you want to install an automatic gate but your driveway slopes upwards from the road, meaning a traditional inwards swinging gate will not work. So what are your options? Can you have an automatic gate that opens outwards from your property, towards the road? Well, yes and no. Usually gates open inwards for good reason, like a welcoming party beckoning you forward as you enter, and have been doing so for thousands of years. However, there are scenarios when installing an automatic gate that opens outwards is your only choice if you want to enjoy the benefits of automatic gates.

Outward opening automatic gates are a great solution for very specific types of properties. There are four main reasons you may need an outward opening gate: if your driveway slopes upwards, if your property has an oddly shaped boundary, if your driveway curves inwards, or if you don’t have enough space inside your boundary.

1. An Upwards Sloping Driveway

An upward slope driveway can be a challenge for an inward opening automatic gate. Most gates will not open fully if the driveway slopes upwards on the property. If your driveway is only mildly sloped, you may be able to hang the gate higher on hinges to keep cars out, but this won’t necessarily keep pets or small children in. A better solution for an upward slope driveway might be to use a sliding gate which opens sideways along the boundary fence – assuming there is enough room.

2. An Oddly Shaped Boundary

Some properties have oddly shaped boundaries that can present challenges when installing a driveway gate. For example, if your property has a boundary fence that is angled inwards at 45 degrees from the front fence, an opening swing gate may hit the angled fence before opening fully. In this case, a sliding gate is usually the best solution.

3. A Curved Driveway

If your driveway curves inwards immediately inside the gate, the gate will probably be too close to the driveway and may prevent cars from passing. You may need to have the curve of your driveway altered so that there is more space for the gate, or consider an outward opening gate.

4. Lack of Space Inside Your Boundary

If you have a small driveway and your home or garage is close to the boundary, you may not have enough room to park a car inside and have a single or double swing gate safely close behind it. A bi-folding gate can be a good solution in this situation as it takes up less space than a swing gate.

Outward Opening Automatic Gate Considerations

Before you install an outward opening automatic gate, there are a few things to consider. First, check with your local council to make sure there are no specific rules about outward opening gates. Second, ensure the driveway itself is adequately wide, to allow cars to fit through without risk of scraping the sides of the car on the gate actuator arms. Finally, in order to prevent blocking foot traffic, make sure you have enough space in front of your property to accommodate the gate – it may need to open outwards a few metres from the boundary fence so it’s necessary to have sufficient space between where the gate would be fixed and the public footpath.

Local Council Rules

Planning treatment varies by site and jurisdiction. In NSW, the Planning Portal’s exempt-development guidance for fences says gates must not open outwards to qualify under that pathway. That does not establish whether a different approval pathway is available for a particular property. Confirm the boundary, road reserve, planning controls and approval route with the relevant council or planning professional before design or purchase.

Sufficient Width for the Gate Equipment

The actuator is the device used to open and close a swing gate. Its geometry changes when the opening direction changes, which can put arms, hinges or other hardware closer to the vehicle path or an accessible edge of the gate. The design must use the operator manufacturer’s approved geometry and clearances, account for the swept path of the vehicles that actually use the entrance, protect equipment from tampering and identify any new crushing, shearing or trapping zones. Do not rely on a generic mirror-clearance allowance.

No Impeding of Foot Traffic

The gate leaf must not create an uncontrolled conflict with pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles or public space. A setback inside the property may create a private movement envelope, but only if the resulting fence and gate layout, vehicle waiting position and sight lines are acceptable. If any part of the movement would cross a public footpath or road reserve, treat that as a planning and safety constraint — not something to solve with timing or warning signs alone.

Alternatives to Compare

If an outward swing cannot remain safely and lawfully inside the property, compare conventional swing-gate layouts, sliding or cantilever arrangements, folding leaves, and telescopic gates. The best alternative depends on run-back space, opening width, slope, maintenance access and the security level required.