Patios

Due to changes in the Building Legislation the City’s web pages relating to building related applications is currently under construction. Building Permit Application forms and further information can be found at the Department of Commerce – Building Commission website
The City apologises for any inconvenience.

What is a patio?

A patio is an open sided structure with a roof cover that is impervious to water.

Setbacks

Patios must comply with the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) and the Building Code of Australia (BCA). The main requirements for a patio no higher than 3.5m high are:

• The minimum setback from the columns or posts to the side or rear boundary is one metre for patios up to nine metres in length and 1.5 metres for a patio that exceeds nine metres in length
• The minimum setback from the edge of the roof cover, or gutter, to the side or rear boundary is 750mm
• The minimum front street setback is three metres, with an average of six metres
• The minimum setback to a secondary street is 1.5 metres
• You may not cover more than a fixed proportion of your lot with roofed areas.

A copy of the Residential Design Codes can be viewed at Planning WA's website

A copy of the BCA can be viewed at the Joondalup Library, or you can purchase a copy online from the Australian Building Code Board website

Variations

• With written support or building plans signed by the adjoining owner, the posts of the patio may be located up to the boundary line for side and rear boundaries
• All parts of the patio located less than 900mm from a boundary must be built of non-combustible materials
• The roof sheeting or gutter line may be reduced to a minimum setback of 500mm from the side or rear boundary
• Variations will require development approval, a completed design Codes Approval Application Form, a $139 fee, three extra copies of plans and a letter of justification.

Building application requirements

• Site plan – two copies to a scale not less than 1:200 indicating site boundaries, existing and proposed levels, all existing structures and the location of the proposed structure and distances to the boundaries
• Construction details showing materials to be used, their respective sizes, spacing and spans
• Connection details to the existing main roof and anchorage to footings, including footing dimensions
• All exposed timbers must be class 1 or 2 or treated to a H3 level
• Engineer’s details may be required depending on the materials used and their configuration

Planning application requirements

All patios for residential unit developments with common property, commercial developments and caravan parks require planning approval via an Application for Approval to Commence Development Form - MRS Form 1, (in addition to a building licence) signed by the owner(s). The minimum fee is $139 up to $50,000 (estimated cost) and three (3) sets of plans need to be provided.

Fees

Planning Schedule of Fees

For further information please contact the City on 9400 4961.