20 Apr 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 Heritage 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.