Do I Need a Planning Permit Series

Do I Need a Planning Permit Series

We often get people contacting us for advice as to whether their project needs a planning permit, so I thought I would cover a few of the common projects over the next few months to answer this question.  You can contact us or your local council directly if you need specific advice on your project.

Question

Do I need a planning permit for a swimming pool?

Answer

For most properties you don’t need a planning permit for a swimming pool. However, there are some circumstances where a planning permit will be required. Some Overlays such as the Neighbourhood Character Overlay and the Erosion Management Overlay require owners to get a planning permit before putting in a swimming pool. You will need to check all of the controls associated with your land and, if in doubt, check with the council whether a planning permit is required.

Question

Do I need a planning permit for a fence?

Answer

On standard residential blocks you don’t need a permit to put up a side fence. There are some planning controls which only allow you to put up a post and wire fence along your boundary without needing a planning permit. This is generally in special landscape or rural areas where an open landscape is the character of the area.

You will need a planning permit for a front fence within 3m of the front boundary if:

  • The size of your property is under 300sqm (or under 500sqm for some Councils)
  • The height of the fence is greater than the maximum height specified (this is generally 2m for main roads and 1.5m for all other streets, though these heights can be varied by the Council).

Planning Overlays such as Heritage and Design and Development Overlays can also require a planning permit for a front fence, regardless of the requirements listed above.  You should check with a town planner before putting up a front fence.

Question

Do I need a planning permit for a pergola or verandah?

Answer

Under the standard residential controls, if you don’t need a planning permit for a new dwelling then you won’t require a planning permit for additions, including a pergola.

However, if your property is under the threshold size amount (300sqm or 500sqm in some Councils) you will need a planning permit for a new dwelling or dwelling additions, and that includes some types of pergolas.  Also, some planning overlays, such as Heritage Overlays, require a planning permit for all buildings and works including all types of pergolas.

The new garden area requirements also apply to residential lots that are over 400sqm, regardless of whether a planning permit is required.  These controls require a certain amount of “open” garden area to be provided on site.  If you are seeking to add a roof to an outdoor area, these controls might impact on your proposal.  You should check with a town planner or building surveyor to see if these controls might impact you.

Question

Do I need a planning permit for a garage/carport?

Answer

If your property is over 300sqm and is developed with a single dwelling then you may not need a planning permit to construct a garage or carport associated with that dwelling. However, if the site is covered by an Overlay (such as a Heritage or Neighbourhood Character Overlay) then a planning permit may be required.

You will also need to check if your property was originally developed under a planning permit. If it was, then the approved plans may need to be approved by the council before building a garage or carport (or making other changes to the plans).

Question

Do I need a planning permit for a vehicle crossover?

Answer

Generally you will not require a planning permit for a vehicle crossover and driveway as long as these conditions are met:

  • Your property is not on a main road.
  • You do not need to remove any trees and;
  • Your site is not covered by a Heritage Overlay

Even if you don’t require a planning permit, you will still need permission from the council via vehicle crossover permit. If your site is on a main road (Transport Zoned road), the road authority will be referred the application and can object to the proposal. You can read more about Transport Zones here.

Question

Do I need a planning permit for a deck?

Answer

In most circumstances a deck that is uncovered and less than 0.8m above the ground level and not visible from the street is excluded from needing a planning permit, in association with a single dwelling.

You will need to check if your property was originally developed under a planning permit. If it was, then the approved plans may need to be approved by the council before building a deck (or making other changes to the plans).

Conclusion

While typically these small additions to a single dwelling on a block of over 300sqm won’t trigger the need for a permit, there may be an Overlay control or previous planning permit requiring permission on your site. You should always check with the council and review your planning controls to confirm.

If you’re needing assistance with a planning permit, we’d love to help! Click the button below to get in touch now.