Attached patios need a permit
A patio is a roofed structure, usually open on at least two sides, used as an outdoor living area. When it is attached to the house, it needs a building permit in WA whatever its size. A freestanding patio only avoids a permit if it is 10 m² or less and 2.4 m tall or less.
Verandahs and alfresco roofs
A verandah is a roofed area along the side of the house, and it is treated much like an attached patio: it needs a building permit. Extending the main roof of the house over an alfresco area is building work to the house itself, and also needs a permit.
Enclosing a patio
Adding walls, windows or doors to a patio changes what it is. Depending on how enclosed it is, it can become a sunroom or a habitable room, which has extra rules for insulation, light, ventilation and energy efficiency. It needs a building permit, and sometimes planning approval. Talk to us before you enclose an approved patio, because the original permit won't cover it.
What a patio permit application includes
- Site plan showing the patio, the house and the distance to each boundary
- Elevations showing heights and the roof pitch
- Engineering for the frame, footings and connection to the house
- The application form, owner consent and fees
Patios near the boundary
The R-Codes allow patios fairly close to side and rear boundaries, but there are limits, and posts or roofs very close to the boundary can trigger fire-separation rules. If your patio doesn't meet the standard rules, it needs planning approval, and your neighbour may be asked for comments.