Do You Need a Permit for a Deck or Pergola on the Surf Coast?

Building a deck or pergola? Here's a general guide to when a permit may be needed. Always confirm your project with a registered building surveyor or the Surf Coast Shire before work starts.

Decks

In Victoria, decks are more likely to need a building permit when they are higher off the ground, larger in area, attached to the house, or close to a boundary.

Pergolas and verandahs

Pergolas and verandahs may be exempt in some situations depending on size, height and position, but many attached or roofed structures need a permit.

Planning overlays

Parts of the Surf Coast are covered by planning overlays, such as bushfire, coastal, vegetation or significant landscape overlays. These can affect what you can build even when a building permit isn't needed. The Shire can tell you which overlays apply.

Bushfire areas

In bushfire-prone areas, construction may need to meet a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating, which affects materials.

Our tip

Get the permit question answered first – it saves delays and surprises later. Request a quote and mention the size and height of the structure.