Adding a verandah or pergola is a great way to upgrade your Adelaide property – creating a more versatile, attractive outdoor space while adding real value to your home.
While a pergola is typically a freestanding structure with an open, grid-like roof, a verandah is a roofed outdoor area attached directly to your house. Each offers its own benefits – but before you start building, it’s important to understand whether council approval is required. Here’s what you need to know.
Do I Need Council Approval for a Verandah in Adelaide?
Yes, you will generally need to secure council approval before building a verandah on your Adelaide property. Verandahs are considered roofed structures attached to the main dwelling, meaning they typically require development approval — regardless of their size or location.
If you’re building a verandah over a new or existing driveway, it will likely be classified as a carport by the council. Carports also require approval due to how they impact drainage, access, and the overall property layout.
Why Do I Need Council Approval?
Most verandahs fall under structures that require approval because they are permanently attached to the home and affect the building’s external appearance and safety standards. Development approval ensures your verandah complies with planning and building codes for your local area.
Are there Any Exemptions
Some councils may allow exemptions for very small verandahs, but the rules vary depending on your location and the specific design. To avoid mistakes and costly delays, it’s best to check with a local expert who understands the current regulations in Adelaide.
Do I Need Council Approval To Build a Pergola?
In the case of pergolas, council approval depends on the size, location, and whether it is roofed.
Generally, a pergola may not require approval if it meets all of the following conditions:
- It is associated with an existing house.
- It has an open, non-solid roof.
- It has no enclosed sides.
- It is less than 4 metres in height.
- It is set back at least 900mm from any street boundary.
- It is not located in front of the main dwelling.
If your pergola meets all these conditions, it may be exempt from requiring a development application. However, it’s important to confirm this early, as even small variations can trigger the need for formal approval.
Can I Build a Pergola or Verandah Without Council Approval?
It’s strongly recommended that you do not start building without first checking if approval is required.Trying to build without approval can lead to fines, stop-work orders, and costly rework.
The good news is that experienced professionals can manage the approval process for you, helping you avoid delays and paperwork issues.
Steel Outfitters has extensive experience working with Adelaide councils and can handle all the necessary permits, ensuring your verandah or pergola is built to code — and built right.
How To Check Whether I Need Approval
The quickest way to confirm whether your project needs approval is to speak with your local council’s planning department.
Alternatively, working with a professional builder like Steel Outfitters can save you time — they’re familiar with the local rules and can guide you through the process from start to finish.
Work With Trusted Experts for Pergolas and Verandahs in Adelaide
To sum up: most verandahs in Adelaide require council approval, and many pergolas do too — unless they meet specific exemption criteria.
Working with experienced professionals like Steel Outfitters makes the process simpler. From permit management to construction, we ensure your new verandah or pergola is fully compliant and built to last.
We provide free quotes for verandahs and pergolas across Adelaide so contact us to get started.