Owning a pergola is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. However, there are questions to raise
before the said outbuilding/structure is installed or developed. You need to check with the
local council if there is any formal approval required.
Here are the basic guidelines to remember!
The installation of the pergola is classified under the category of Development by NSW
Government Standards/Guidelines.
It may not require approval from the local council if the installation meets the relevant
standards set out in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying
Development Codes) 2008 (the State Policy). This is known as Exempt development. However,
strict compliance is required; otherwise, the pergola will be removed or dismantled by the
Authority, and also you will be fined!
- You may also want to check the zoning category of your property. There are specific rules
for each type. The development must be located behind the building line/house or
rather the backyard. It must be at least 5 meters away from the boundary fence.
This is applicable for lots/property located in Zone RU1, RU2, RU3, RU4, RU5, and RU6.
The definition of the RU is as follows:-
RU1 is for the zone that promotes agricultural production and environmental protection. RU2
is for the rural location that encourages agricultural and other supporting uses. RU3 is the zone for
forestry. RU4 is for the area that promotes agriculture on smaller allotments for rural living
opportunities. RU5 is the zone for remote villages, and RU6 is the zone for the transition
between rural and regional centres.
For other than the above zones, installation must be 900 millimetres away from the boundary
fence. - The pergola must not be more than 25 metres 2 and a height of 3 meters.
- The total floor area of the pergola on the lot/property
a) for a lot larger than 300 metres 2: 15% of the ground floor area of the dwelling on the
lot; or
b) for a lot of 300 metres 2 or less: 25 metres 2 - There should be no enclosing wall higher than 1.4 meters
- The pergola must not have a floor height of more than 1 meter above the existing ground
level - A consent from the neighbour is compulsory for a pergola closer to the boundary fence; however, the roofline must remain 5 meters from the wall.
- There are various types of material used in constructing pergola based on cost and
preference or demand from the customer. There is a steel pergola available. For pergola, which
is built out of metal components, it must be low reflective, factory pre-coloured
materials. - For a lot/property located on bushfire-prone land, the pergola is to be installed less
than five meters from a house/dwelling. The pergola must be made from non-combustible
material. - For a lot/property located on a heritage conservation area or a draft heritage
conservation, the pergola must be installed behind any road frontage building line. - Pergola is characterized by its specific roofing design. If the roof structure is attached to a
dwelling/house, it must not extend above the roof gutter line. - For pergola, which is connected to a fascia, it must be connected following a professional
engineer’s specifications
Wrap-Up
If you have doubt, it is best to appoint a professional pergola builder such as Wollongong Decking, which includes seeking
necessary approval from the relevant authority as part of their services to avoid any disappointment after the construction of your pergola. You have to ensure that the builder is a
licensed builder and associated with an organization with a proven track record and extensive
portfolios.