Do You Need A Permit For A Pergola?

Are you thinking about adding a new outdoor space? It’s a brilliant idea – whether it’s a shady pergola or a full verandah or something similar. But one of the most common questions we hear – almost every single day – is: do you need a permit for a pergola in Melbourne?

The answer? It’s not always a simple yes or no – but getting it wrong can cost you time, money, and even lead to legal issues. In our exclusive guide, we’ll walk you through the basic rules, common misconceptions, and how they apply across Victoria and other parts of Australia.

And if it all sounds a bit too much, don’t worry – Mr Verandah can simply handle it all for you, from design to permits to construction.

1. Understanding the difference: Pergola vs Verandah

A key part of the puzzle is understanding the difference between a pergola and a verandah in building terms. In general:

• A pergola is an unroofed outdoor structure, typically open on the sides and often topped with battens, slats or may have an open weave permeable material.
• A verandah is a roofed structure, usually attached to your home, and often considered a formal extension.

Why does this matter? Because different rules apply. In most cases, verandahs need a building permit, while small, simple pergolas might be exempt – depending on their size, height, and location.

2. So, do you need council approval for a pergola?

This is one of the most common questions – and a fair one. Do you need council approval for a pergola? Well, in Victoria, you can build a pergola without a permit if it meets all of the following criteria:

• It is less than 3.6 metres high.
• It has a floor area under 20 square metres.
• It’s located less than 2.5m forward of the front wall of the house.
• It doesn’t sit over an easement or in a heritage overlay.