Do you need a building permit?
The City of Wanneroo calls a patio "an unenclosed structure covered in a water-impermeable material". Gazebos and thatched structures count as patios too.
- No building permit if the patio is freestanding, 10 m² or less and 2.4 m or lower.
- Every attached patio needs a building permit, whatever its size.
You only need planning approval (a development application) if the patio doesn't meet the standard R-Codes rules below.
Setbacks
| Where | Rule |
|---|---|
| Side and rear boundary | 1 m to the post for a patio 14 m long or less; 1.5 m if longer (the length includes structures next to it) |
| Posts on the boundary | Allowed if the patio is no longer than 10 m and no higher than 2.7 m, the roof is 500 mm back from the boundary, and it's behind the front setback |
| Front of the house | Can come forward to half the street setback: 3 m from the boundary on R20, 2 m on R30 |
| Secondary street (corner lots) | 1.5 m |
| Eaves | Can project up to 0.75 m into a setback |
| Building code fire separation | 900 mm from the patio roof to the boundary, or 900 mm between a freestanding patio and the house |
These apply to most R20 and R30 lots. Estates with a Local Development Plan can have different rules.
What to lodge
- BA2 building permit application
- Site plan at 1:200 with levels, setbacks, any septic system and a north point
- Elevations and sections at 1:100
- Construction details, including how it connects to the roof and the footings
- Structural engineer's details
- Street and Verge Bond application
- Planning approval, if you needed one
Fees
The building permit is 0.32% of the value (at least $121), plus the $61.65 Building Services Levy for work up to $45,000. Wanneroo also charges a $140 verge bond admin fee. If the work is worth $20,000 or more, add a $2,200 refundable bond.
Contact
City of Wanneroo, phone (08) 9405 5000.