Before starting any work on your property, it's important to understand whether you need planning (development) approval, a building permit, or both. Some projects are exempt - but exemptions often come with conditions, so if you're not sure, always check with the City first.
Residential development
Development approval: May not be required if your proposal meets the deemed-to-comply requirements of the R-Codes. Whether you're exempt depends on your property's specific circumstances - including zoning, site cover, setbacks and whether any special conditions apply. If you're not sure, use the deemed-to-comply check (fee applies) to get written confirmation before you start.
Building permit: Always required.
Development approval: May not be required if your proposal meets the deemed-to-comply requirements of the R-Codes. Whether you're exempt depends on your property's specific circumstances - including zoning, site cover, setbacks and whether any special conditions apply. If you're not sure, use the deemed-to-comply check (fee applies) to get written confirmation before you start.
Building permit: Required unless the work is minor maintenance or repair that doesn't affect structural soundness, change the building's use, or impact health and safety.
Development approval: May not be required, depending on your property's zoning, site cover, size/height of the building and whether any special conditions apply. Contact a planning officer to confirm.
Building permit: A building permit is always required for a garage. For a shed, no building permit is required if the structure is freestanding, no more than 10m² in floor area and no more than 2.4m in height. A building permit is required for anything larger.
What is a patio? A patio is an unenclosed structure (open on two or more sides) with a water-resistant roof, which may or may not be attached to your home. It's typically used for outdoor living or entertaining. If your structure is open-framed with a permeable or no roof, it is likely to be a pergola - see below.
Development approval: May not be required if your proposal meets the deemed-to-comply requirements of the R-Codes. Contact a planning officer to confirm.
Building permit: Always required for a carport. For a patio, no building permit is required if the structure is freestanding, no more than 10m² in floor area and no more than 2.4m in height. A building permit is required for anything larger.
What is a pergola or shade sail? A pergola or shade sail is an open-framed structure covered in a water-permeable material, or with no roof at all. It may or may not be attached to your home. If your structure has a water-resistant solid roof, it is likely to be classified as a patio — different rules apply.
Development approval: Generally not required, unless your property is located on the canals. Contact a planning officer to confirm.
Building permit:
Development approval: May not be required, but this depends on your property's zoning, location and the type of fence proposed. Contact a planning officer to confirm, or visit our Fences page for more detail.
Building permit: Not required if the fence is built in accordance with the City's local law.
Development approval: Generally not required, unless your property is in a heritage area, however development approval may be required for pool fencing. Contact a planning officer for more information.
Building permit: Always required.
Development approval: May not be required depending on your property's circumstances. Contact a planning officer to confirm.
Building permit: Not required if the wall retains ground no more than 0.5m in height, is not associated with other building work and does not affect adjoining properties.
Development approval: May not be required depending on your property's circumstances. Contact a planning officer to confirm.
Building permit: Not required for solar photovoltaic panels or solar hot water systems attached to the roof of a house, shed or patio.
Development approval: May not be required if your proposal meets the deemed-to-comply requirements of the R-Codes, which include specific rules for ancillary dwellings. Whether you're exempt depends on your property's circumstances — contact a planning officer or lodge a deemed-to-comply check to confirm.
Building permit: Always required.
Development approval: Not required unless the structure is heritage listed, in which case approval must be obtained before any demolition work begins.
Demolition permit: Not required for demolition of a shed, patio or pergola with a floor area no more than 40m², provided the work doesn't affect health and safety and the structure is not heritage listed. A demolition permit is required for all other demolition.
Development approval: May not be required depending on your property's circumstances. Contact a planning officer to confirm.
Building permit: Building permit requirements do not apply to park homes, manufactured homes and annexes as defined under the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Act 1995. However, a separate approval from the City is required under that Act before installation. Contact the City to find out what applies to your property.
Information on fencing requirements, approvals, and boundary responsibilities.
Learn about pool and spa approvals, compliance, and safety requirements.
Understand the process and requirements for subdividing land.
