What is the difference between pergolas, shade sails and verandahs?
There are a number of different structures available on the market that can be used to provide shelter and improve the amenity of your back yard.
A pergola does not have a solid (impermeable) roof and are not enclosed on their sides, but it may be roofed with shade cloth.
A shade sail is similar to a pergola, as it uses a permeable roof material (shade cloth) and its sides are not enclosed. Pergolas and shade sails may be free- standing or attached to the dwelling.
A verandah has a solid (impermeable) roof, usually made of translucent plastic corrugated sheeting or colour-treated corrugated iron, and may have enclosed sides. A verandah may be free-standing or attached to the dwelling.
Do I need approval if I want to build one of these structures?
Some of these structures require approval from Council, while others do not. Whether or not development approval is required will depend on the location of the proposed structure, as well as its size and the materials used in its construction.
Some types of structures are specifically exempt from the requirement for development approval, while others that require approval may be eligible for a streamlined assessment process.
The following information provides some guidance in determining what approvals are required. It is also recommended that you provide Council with details of your proposal so that we can confirm whether or not development approval is required.
When is approval required for a pergola or shade sail?
Pergolas
A pergola that is ancillary to an existing dwelling (other than a Local or State Heritage Place) does not need development approval or Building Rules Consent if it:
If any of these criteria are not satisfied, then development approval would be required.
It is recommended that you provide details of the proposed structure to Council prior to commencing construction, so that we can confirm whether or not development approval is required.
Shade sails
A shade sail that is ancillary to an existing dwelling, other than a Local or State Heritage Place or within a Historic Conservation Zone, does not need Development Approval or Building Rules Consent if:
If any of these criteria are not satisfied, then development approval would be required.
It is recommended that you provide details of the proposed structure to Council prior to commencing construction, so that we can confirm whether or not development approval is required.
When is approval required for a verandah?
All proposed verandahs require Council approval. Your proposal may fall into the following categories, depending on size, location and height.
Building Consent only approval required
If the proposed verandah meets the following criteria it only requires Building Rules Consent:
- a length not exceeding 8 metres
- will not result in all relevant walls or structures located along the boundary to exceed 45% of the length of boundary
If the verandah is proposed to be constructed over an existing or proposed driveway, the proposal is likely to be described and assessed as a carport by Council (Refer to Information Guide 28—Sheds, Garages and Carports for further information)
Complying only Approval required
If the proposed verandah meets the following criteria it requires Development Approval, however it is a streamlined process, which has a general time fame of 2 weeks if all the correct information has been provided and a planning authority cannot withhold approval:
- a length not exceeding 8m
- will not result all relevant walls or structures located along the boundary to exceed 45% of the length of boundary
What if my structure does not met the above Development Plan criteria?
Should your proposal not fall into any of the above categories then your application will require a “Merit” assessment against the City of Port Lincoln Development Plan and Development Regulations 2008 and will required Development Approval.
Relevant Links
Information sheet and checklist
Electricity Act Declaration Form
Development Act Schedule of Fees