Pergolas

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

A pergola is an open sided structure with a permeable roof cover (e.g. shadecloth, lattice).

Pergolas must comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA). The main requirements are as follows:
There is no minimum setback from the columns or posts to the side or rear boundary
There is no minimum setback from the edge of the rafters, to the side or rear boundary
There is no minimum setback for permeable roof covering from the side or rear boundary
The minimum front street setback is nil with an average of six metres
There is no minimum setback to a secondary street

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

Site plan – two copies to a scale not less than 1:200 indicating site boundaries, existing and proposed levels and the location of the proposed pergola 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 of Class 1 or 2 or treated to a H3 level
Engineers details may be required depending on the materials used and their configuration
All pergolas within unit developments require the written approval of the strata body corporate or other strata owners

For further information please contact the City on 9400 4961