Find out if you need a planning permit to build a verandah or pergola.
A verandah is an open-sided structure which can be partly enclosed and has a solid roof. A pergola is an open-sided structure, without a solid roof.
When you need a planning permit
Your land is less than 300sqm in area
You need a planning permit if all the following apply:
- the land is less than 300 sqm in area
- the structure is 3 metres high or more from ground level
- the land is in one of the following zones:
- Neighbourhood Residential Zone
- General Residential Zone
- Residential Growth Zone.
Check your land’s zone
Land in an overlay
You need a planning permit if your land is in a:
- Heritage Overlay (including demolition of existing structures)
- Neighbourhood Character Overlay (including demolition of existing structures, excluding Schedule 1).
You might need a planning permit if your land is in a:
- Special Building Overlay
- Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
- Design and Development Overlay
- Significant Landscape Overlay.
To learn more about overlays and schedules, visit find your zone and overlays.
If your land is affected by an overlay, how we assess the application depends on the overlay. For example, the Neighbourhood Character Overlay focuses on how the proposal fits within the neighbourhood whereas the Land Subject to Inundation and the Special Building Overlay focus on flooding.
When no planning permit is needed
Regardless of land size, you do not need planning permit when both:
- the land is not affected by any overlays
- the structure is under 3 metres high.
You will still need a building permit.
Faster 10-day permit processing
You may qualify for a streamlined permit process called VicSmart.
If you're eligible, apply for your planning permit online and select ‘VicSmart’ when prompted.
Learn more about VicSmart
Documents to prepare
When applying for a planning permit, you must supply the following documents.
General
- A Copy of Title, including relevant lot plan and any restrictions listed on title. You can get a title from land data.
Plans
Proposed plans and elevations at a scale of 1:100 or 1:200, including:
- north orientation
- address of the property
- the title boundaries
- existing features of the site
- fully dimensioned proposed site plans and elevations, including setbacks from boundaries and the dimensions of the deck and and height from natural ground level.
Additional documents for land in an overlay
Heritage Overlay
Demolition plans and elevations at a scale of 1:100 or 1:200, including:
- north orientation
- address of the property
- the title boundaries and dimensions (this information can be found on the copy of title on the relevant lot plan)
- existing conditions
- details of any existing structures to be removed (including materials)
- the location and setback of adjoining buildings.
You might also need:
- oblique view diagrams taken from the opposite side of the street, at 1.7 metres from ground level
- photomontages of the streetscape showing the proposed development
- a written report from a heritage expert to assess the proposal's impact on the significance of the heritage place.
Neighbourhood Character Overlay
Demolition plans and elevations at a scale of 1:100 or 1:200, including:
- north orientation
- address of the property
- the title boundaries and dimensions (this information can be found on the copy of title on the relevant lot plan)
- existing conditions
- details of any existing structures to be removed (including materials)
- the location and setback of adjoining buildings.
Land Subject to Inundation or Special Building Overlay
You might also need:
- relevant existing and proposed ground levels, to Australian Height Datum, taken by a licensed land surveyor
- the layout, size and use of existing and proposed buildings and works, including vehicle parking areas
- floor levels of any existing and proposed buildings to Australian Height Datum
- cross sectional details of any basement entry ramps and other basement entries to Australian Height Datum, showing floor levels of entry and exit areas and drainage details.
Significant Landscape Overlay
You might also need:
- details of any vegetation removal or impacts on nearby vegetation
- the distance of the proposal from the banks of the Yarra River
- a landscaping plan.
Apply now
If you need a paper planning permit application form, including a VicSmart form, contact the planning department on 03 8290 3329.
To learn more, visit Applying for a Planning Permit.
Building permits
You always need a building permit to build a verandah or pergola. Learn more about building permits.
If you need both a planning and a building permit, get the planning permit first.