Pergolas, Carports, Garages, Verandahs and Sheds

Some structures require a building permit to be obtained before construction.

Find out more about when a building permit is required for pergolas, sheds, garages and carports. 

A Pergola is defined in the building regulations as an unroofed open structure.

A Building Permit is not required for a Pergola, provided that it is:

  • attached to a Class 1 house not more than 20m2 in area not more than 3.6m in height located no further forward on the allotment than 2.5m forward of the front wall of the building to which it is attached, or located at the rear of the building to which it is attached.

A permit is required when:

  • your building has a roof, this is deemed to be a verandah or carport and will need a building permit:
  • your pergola is located more than 2.5m forward of the front wall of a single dwelling.

Construction of a freestanding Class 10a shed does not require a building permit if it:

  • has a floor area not exceeding 10m2, and
  • is not more than 3m in height (or not more than 2.4m in height if within 1m of a side or rear boundary), and
  • is located no further forward on the allotment than the other buildings on the same allotment (ie house), and
  • is not constructed of masonry (brick, block etc).

Note: It is also important to remember that you cannot site your shed over an easement or within 1m of an authority asset unless you have written consent from the relevant service authority (this could include Council).

Construction of any verandah, carport or garage requires a building permit.