Pergolas, Sheds, Shade Sails and Water Tanks

When is a Building Permit required?

Patio

A patio is a pergola with an impervious roof covering (eg. colorbond or polycarbonate sheeting).

You will need a Building Permit for a patio if any of the following apply:

• The patio is attached to another structure, ie: dwelling, garage or similar structures.

If the patio is freestanding and;

• The floor area exceeds 10m²
• It is more than 2.4m in height.

Please note:   

1. A freestanding patio is required to be a minimum of 900mm from the dwelling.
2. A patio attached to a dwelling is required to be 900mm from a boundary other than a boundary adjoining a road alignment or                         other public space.
3. Building permit applications for a reduction to the required setbacks must be accompanied by a Performance Solution certified by a suitably qualified Fire Engineer, alternatively, the patio will be required to be protected by a wall with a fire resisteance level (FRL) of 60/60/60. 

Pergola

A pergola is an open-sided structure that is supported by columns or posts. It generally has an open roof or a permeable roof cover (eg. shade cloth). A pergola may be freestanding or attached to the dwelling. 

You will need a Building Permit for a pergola if any of the following apply:

• The floor area exceeds 20m²
• It is more than 2.4m in height.

Note: A pergola with an impervious roof covering (eg. colorbond or polycarbonate sheeting) is classed as a patio.

Rain water tank

You will need a Building Permit for a rain water tank if any of the following apply:

• It has a capacity of more than 5000 litres
• It is constructed of a material other than steel or fibreglass.

Note: The tank should be located in the rear yard of a property and not be visible from the primary or secondary streets.

The base of the tank must be placed directly on the ground or supported by a manufacturer designed tank stand not exceeding 300mm in height.

Shade sail

A shade sail is a piece of permeable fabric that is fixed to timber or metal posts to provide shade to an outdoor area.  It should comply with Australian Standard AS 4174:2018 Knitted and woven shade fabrics.
 
You will need a Building Permit, complete with Site Plan Floor Plan, two (2) Elevations, including Structural Adequacy Certification Specifications/Drawings for posts, post footings, fixings to posts and dwelling, by a professional (Structual) Engineer.

Note: A shade sail made of impervious fabric (i.e. impenetrable to rainwater) is classed as a patio.

Shed

You will need a Building Permit for a shed if any of the following apply:

• The floor area exceeds 10m²      
• Any part of the shed wall height is more than 2.4m in height.

Note: With a valid Planning approval, sheds may be built up to boundary, but must be not less than 900mm from house wall or 450mm from house eaves, whichever is less, for fire separation requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA).  If this cannot be achieved, shed must be 900mm from boundary.

Apply for a Building Permit

Visit the Building Permit Application page to find out how to apply, assessment timeframes and fees.

More information and contact

Please contact us on 9411 3444 or at [email protected].