So, you’re thinking about building a pergola but want to clue yourself up on the rules and regulations surrounding them beforehand? A pergola is a great way to add some shade to your outdoor area, define your garden space, and create visual interest. They can even improve your curb appeal, so it’s well worth thinking about if you’re building a new home!
Today we’re looking into everything you need to know about Queensland’s pergola building regulations. Keep reading to learn more, making sure your pergola is completely up to code.
Table of Contents
What are the pergola building regulations in Queensland?
There are several building regulations for pergolas in Queensland, depending on the size and positioning of your proposed design. Here are the regulations you need to know:
- Pergolas with a footprint of less than 10 metres squared don’t need building approval as they’re widely considered an accepted development
- Pergolas larger than 10 metres squared will need building approval
- Your pergola must be at least one metre from each lot boundary to avoid impacting your neighbours
- The pergola must be at least six metres from the front boundary
- You are often not allowed to build a pergola over an easement or asset, although your local council will be able to advise you further
- Most local councils will need you to install drainage around your pergola if the roof is fully closed or can be closed
- If the value of your project, including both labour and materials, is greater than $3,300, your building works must be carried out by a registered builder
Do I need planning approval to build a pergola in Queensland?
Whether you need planning approval to build your pergola or not all depends on how large it is. Pergolas are often considered accepted development as long as they’re under 10 square metres and 2.4 metres in height, so they won’t need prior planning permission.
However, if you want to build a larger pergola, you will need building approval. You can get this through a building certifier or local government, and you’ll need to go through all of the necessary stages of application before being able to begin building.
What is the pergola building approval process?
Most local councils will have different guidelines surrounding the approval for your pergola construction, but there are still several basic principles that you’ll likely have to follow before your approval is granted, including:
1. Speak to your local council
Before doing anything else, we recommend you speak to your local council. They’re your go-to source for the rules and requirements surrounding your pergola, so everyone can be sure that you’re properly constructing your outdoor shade. They’ll also be able to tell you whether or not you need a permit, and any steps you need to go through to gain it.
2. Hire a professional builder
Some people want to build their pergola themselves, but we personally recommend hiring a professional instead. A local builder will be aware of the current local government guidelines for pergolas, meaning they’ll have a better insight into how the government process usually goes.
Hiring a professional before your building approval will also help you get a jump start on finishing your project once you get the green light. Plus, if you’re building a smaller pergola and don’t need prior approval, you can get started straight away.
3. Obtain your building approval
The next step might take a while because you’ll be waiting for your building approval! You’ll need to submit your plans for your pergola here, so work with your builder to design the shade of your dreams. Working with a builder during this process should make sure it abides by all of the correct regulations to prevent your application from being rejected. You can also get it looked over by a private building certifier if you’d like, as this might give you extra security that it’ll be accepted.
Once your building approval application has been successful, you’ll get a government building certifier and certificate of approval from your council. This confirms that you can begin building the approved design as it’s been successfully assessed with the building code of Australia. Call your builder up, and let’s get this show on the road!
4. See your pergola come to life!
Now that you have the correct paperwork, you can begin building. It’s vital that you stick to the plans you’ve had approved, as any changes you want to make after this point will need to be re-approved. Otherwise you may be at risk of violating your building approval and liable for fines and expensive altercations.
How do I ensure that my pergola is compliant with QLD regulations?
The best way to make sure your pergola is compliant with Queensland’s regulations is to work with trusted and experienced builders and building certifiers to make sure your designs are up to code and likely to be approved. If you want to avoid as many issues as possible, we recommend keeping the height lower than two metres, and the footprint less than 10 metres squared. We would personally recommend still talking to your local council to make sure this design is allowed, but the process should be much quicker and smoother.
Once your pergola’s design is accepted, make sure you don’t change any of the design features, as these will need to be checked over again. Making any changes without re-approval can lead to fines and penalties.
How much will a building inspector cost to review my pergola?
A building inspector will be needed if you’re building a new home, and they can also take a look at your pergola if it’s built at the same time. The price of your building inspector will depend on a number of things, such as size, the extent of the work, and what stage the building is at. However, the average price you can expect to pay in Queensland is:
- Small buildings: Between $150 and $250
- Average buildings in a regional area: Between $500 and $750
- Buildings in metropolitan areas: Between $800 and $1,200
Are there any exemptions to the pergola building regulations in QLD?
The only reason you might not need building approval is if your pergola design is less than 10 square metres in size and no more than 2.4 metres high, as these designs are often considered accepted development.
Accepted development doesn’t require a development application or approval, although in some cases, your proposal must meet certain requirements set out by your local government. If your pergola is considered accepted development, it’s because it’s considered low-risk and compatible with the planning intentions of your area.
However, there are some exceptions to this, including:
- If you want to build your pergola over an easement, such as council stormwater or sewer assets
- If your pergola is over the accepted development size
- If you live in a neighbourhood plan area or overlay that has different rules already outlined
These exceptions are why it’s so important to make sure you speak to your local council before building your pergola, as even if you think it meets the certification requirements, there may be a hidden issue stopping you from going ahead.
What are the consequences of not following the pergola building regulations in QLD?
If you don’t follow the correct regulations for building a pergola in Queensland or don’t get the correct approval for the final result, you might be liable for consequences from your local government. These could be in the form of fines or penalties, or they might even ask you to take down the pergola altogether. If you need to make changes to an existing pergola or remove it altogether, you’ll likely have to pay for this out of your own pocket – so it makes the most sense just to stick to the rules!
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