Pergola Council Approval
Pergola Council Approval W.A.
At Venture Outdoor, we understand that building your dream outdoor space involves more than just great design and high-quality materials — it also means navigating council regulations with confidence. Whether you’re planning a simple open pergola or a more elaborate structure, understanding if you need council or building approval is essential to avoiding costly issues down the line.
We’re here to make it easier. This page breaks down what’s required when it comes to council and building approvals for pergolas in Western Australia, so you can move forward with peace of mind.
📩 Have questions or want help getting approval?
Use the Contact Us form to speak directly with our team — we handle the approval process for you from start to finish.
Do I Need Development Approval for a Pergola?
In Western Australia, development (planning) approval is different from building approval. Even if your pergola is exempt from needing a building permit, you may still require planning approval in certain zones or under specific conditions.
For example, if your property is located in a heritage area like Guildford or Woodbridge, or if your pergola breaches height limits or boundary setbacks, you’ll likely need planning approval from your local council.
Even if you’re told you don’t need building approval, we recommend obtaining either a written exemption or planning clearance from your council. This avoids future issues, especially if the structure is deemed non-compliant later
What Happens If I Build Without Planning Approval?
If your pergola is built without the necessary planning approval and found non-compliant, you’ll need to apply for retrospective planning approval. This process generally includes:
Scaled site plan and elevation drawings
Development application forms
A retrospective fee (usually 3x the standard $147 fee = $441, but varies by council)
We help clients through this process all the time — avoiding penalties and ensuring compliance.
Do I Need a Building Permit for My Pergola?
In most cases, yes — pergolas require building approval. However, the Building Regulations 2012 (Schedule 2) provide specific exemptions in certain cases.
A pergola does not require a building permit if it meets all the following criteria:
Under 2.4m high
Located outside of wind regions C or D (e.g., not in cyclone-prone zones)
Covers an area of 20m² or less
Is open and unroofed, or has a covering made of open-weave, permeable material (like shade cloth)
Even when a building permit is not required, the work must still comply with the National Construction Code (NCC).
What Legally Counts as a Pergola?
The term “pergola” is used differently depending on the legislation:
In WA’s building exemptions, a pergola is an open structure with no solid roof (may have open-weave shade).
In the NCC, it’s considered unroofed — meaning it doesn’t provide full shelter from the weather.
In common use (e.g., dictionaries), it’s a garden feature with climbing plants and minimal weather protection.
In WA, councils generally agree that a pergola must not provide water resistance or full shelter. If it does, it’s likely to be classified as a patio or roofed structure — and that means full approvals will be required.
We Handle the Paperwork So You Don’t Have To
At Venture Outdoor, we don’t just design and build stunning pergolas — we guide you through the entire approval process, including:
Free advice on whether you need approval
Full preparation of drawings and site plans
Submitting applications on your behalf
Liaising with your local council
Managing retrospective approvals (if needed)
✅ Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re starting from scratch or need help with council paperwork, our team is here to help you move forward — stress-free.
📞 Call Us on 08 6314 0814
Or use the Contact Form below and we’ll be in touch shortly.