A pergola can be a wonderful accent piece to your backyard living space. When you consider having one built, you may be curious about what size you want or even what style or materials you want used. One consideration that you should take into account, as well as familiarise yourself with, are the rules regarding building pergolas and the permits required for that construction. If you are new to the permits and the idea of a pergola, here are a few things you need to know.

True Pergola

One thing you need to know is that what you think is a pergola and what the permit and building office considers a pergola may be two different things. This is an important distinction because not only will you be asked on the building permit application the type of structure you are building, but you will also have to meet the regulations for building that structure. This means that if you build what you believe is a pergola, but the council lists the actual building as a veranda then you may end up falling outside the regulations designated for that building by the council guidelines. Pergolas are generally categorized as an archway of wood or stone with vines or plants that form a canopy. 

Permit Types

The first consideration about your pergola construction are the permits that you'll need. You will have to look at two different types of permits. The first permit is a planning permit. This permit makes sure that you are within your property lines as well as the lines set by the council regulations. For example, certain areas may have regulations that say your pergola can't exceed a certain height or width. The planning permit will make sure your plans fit in those guidelines. The second permit is the building permit. This permit simply allows the contractors to begin construction and gives you the right to hire the contractors to have the pergola built. 

Obtaining the Permit

When you go to the council and apply for the permit you will be asked to pay a fee. This fee is associated directly with the type of permit or permits you are receiving and can vary greatly depending on that permit. If you don't obtain a permit, you can be liable for any structural issue or injury that may result from the building.

If you keep these three key points in mind, you will be able to obtain a permit quickly and easily. Remember you will still have to follow the guidelines to get the permit as well as the guidelines listed within the permit. If you have any further questions contact your council office or local pergola builders.