Thread: Permit frustration for roofed pergola

In brissie they spy on you by satellite.

Most councils around here don't worry too much about these sort of things, they know they'll get you come selling up time. Then the Section 32 needs to reflect the correct approvals etc and they've got by the .................

Ring your local council and ask for clarification - you should not have to give your address. The regulations should also be on their web-site
Our local council does not require a permit if the pergola is not attached to the house, is less than 20 square metres in area and under 3.6 metres high.

Originally Posted by gsart1

I bought my house 10 years ago (VIC, mornington) and it has a pergola out the front which needs to be replaced due to its age.

I have two questions,

1. Do I need a permit if I replace it? I suspect it was done with no permit as the council plans dont show it.

2. The quotes I have from professionals to do the job is ridiculous. 10k for 25m2 flat room with laserlite. I am very handy but the red tape is just overwhelming. wat ar ethe chances the council will pick up on it?

why would you need a permit to replace it,? you are only really repairing it, just needs a lot of repair,i would just do it...........bob

Originally Posted by Big Shed

Most councils around here don't worry too much about these sort of things, they know they'll get you come selling up time. Then the Section 32 needs to reflect the correct approvals etc and they've got by the .................

Doesn't seem that was the case here Fred, or the council would have had something to say 10 years ago when the property changed hands I would have thought. Guess each council is different.

I think I would agree with Bob, if you are only repairing the thing that already exists and not changing anything structurally then go ahead and repair it. I would, however, make sure that I complied with any building code the council requires,just in case at a later date you may need to seek approval for the building. At least if its up to the building code standards, you shouldnt have too much trouble getting council to approve it.

Whatever advice you get from the council, DEMAND it in writing and have it signed by the adviser. Then Council has less chance of nailing your ears to the wall.

"At least if its up to the building code standards, you shouldnt have too much trouble getting council to approve it."

Not with my council...

Harry, he did say complied with any building code the council requires before that optimistic bit about "At least if its up to the building code standards, you shouldnt have too much trouble getting council to approve it."

But as you and I both well know the councils in our areas have a rubbery approach to their own building codes. It all depends on many things and nothing to do with the actual building design .. : On that silence is the safest.

Our council seems to take a reasonable approach to such things. From what I've heard they don't bother about it unless the neighbors kick up a fuss and even then they will look at it on its merits and often give retrospective approval.

I wonder if anybody knows of a case where a council has put a demolition order on a structure for no other reason than lack of planning permission?

The other thing to think about is house insurance. If it falls down or blows away or whatever you might not be covered for the structure or any consequential damage or injury, so you need to be confident in your workmanship.

I built a smaller one (about 15 square meters) about 20 years ago and got planning permission. In those days you had stage inspections, the council was supposed to inspect it about four times. It was ridiculous so I didn't bother after the first one and presumably it is illegal. It didn't come up when we sold the house.

Welcome to dealing with the mornington shire. I had the pleasure of submitting plans 4 times for a picket fence, even going to the extent of colouring it in to show final colours, then it only took 8 months to get approved. Getting back to the pergola if it is existing your only repairng it,but i would always check.

good friends of mine in williamstown built a back verandah without building permit or plans 7 months later knock on the door please remove and submit plans says council they do so than havent been able to get a permit so far 3 years later
so it does happen

find a mob that does the approvals as part of the construction process.