Pergolas and gazebos

Under Schedule 3, of the Building Regulations 2018, a pergola (an unroofed structure) and a gazebo may be exempt from a building permit if it meets the following criteria.

Please note, if the pergola has any type of roofing (even partly roofed) the structure would be deemed a verandah, which does not have the following exemptions and a building permit would be required.

Gazebo

Construction of a freestanding Class 10a building that:

(a) has a floor area not exceeding 10 m2, and

(b) is no more than 3 m in height or, if situated within 1 m of a boundary, is no more than 2⋅4 m in height, and

(c) if appurtenant to a building of another Class on the same allotment, is located no further forward on the allotment than the front wall of the building to which it is appurtenant, and

(d) if it is not appurtenant to a building of another Class on the same allotment, is the only Class 10a building on the allotment and is set back at least 9 m from the front street alignment and at least 2 m from each side street alignment, and

(e) is not constructed of masonry

Note The consent of a service authority may be required to construct a Class 10a building 10 m2 or less in an area over an easement vested in that authority under another Act or within 1 m laterally of any works of a water supply authority.

Pergola

Definition:

(a) is not more than 3⋅6 m in height, and

(b) in the case of a pergola that is appurtenant to a Class 1 building, is located no further forward on the allotment than 2·5 m forward of the front wall of that building, and

(c) in any other case, is located no further forward on the allotment than the front wall of that building to which it is appurtenant, and

(d) has a floor area not exceeding 20m2