Additions such as Decks, Sheds, Pergolas etc.

Non- Habitable buildings or structures are classified by QBCC as Class 10 Structures. This include pergolas, patios, private garages, carports, sheds or the like. Others are classified as Class 10b and include fence, mast, antenna, retaining or free standing wall, swimming pool or the like.

The approval and construction process for these additions follow similar process to New Residential Construction namely design, approvals and construction. Please refer New Residential Construction: The Process. for details.

For the purpose of approvals, this post will focus primarily on Class 10a Structures such as Sheds and Patios and the like.

The main items to consider are;

1.Boundary Setbacks.

Most Councils refer to the Queensland Development Code for setback requirements which are typically 6m for front boundary and 1.5m for side and back boundary. Where this cannot be achieved a Concurrence Agency Application is required. We recommend that clients allow 3-4 weeks for this application to get through Council. It is to be noted that this is a separate application  from the Building Approvals. Oftentimes, a carport addition encroaches fully into the front boundary and therefore triggers a relaxation application. There are exceptions to this requirement such as;

  • swimming pools
  • screens, fences, retaining walls or a combination of screens, fences or
    retaining walls not more than 2m in height;
  • roofed gatehouses and arches with area under 4sq.m, 2m wide and 3m high
  • the total length of all buildings or parts, of any class, within the boundary clearance is not more than 9m along any one boundary.

At CVL Engineers, we facilitate this on behalf of clients.

2. Underground Services such are sewer lines

The location of underground services can be identified by simply using the Dial-Before-You-Dig services. This is usually done by the Draftsperson, Building Designer or Architect. However, the cost implication of this implies that it is important for client to know the  location of the services so that they can better decide. The Queensland Development Code specifies the minimum requirements for building over or near relevant infrastructure typically as 1.2sq.m otherwise triggering a Referral Application to the relevant authority. QUU (Queensland Urban Utilities) is the authority in Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim, and Somerset.

We recommend that clients allow 3-4 weeks for this application to get through. This application can be done in parallel with the relaxation application for boundary setback variation noted above so it might not impact on time as much.

The exception for this requirement are;

  • Footings which are 1.2m from centreline of sewer line
  • Footings which are 1.5m from centreline of manhole
  • Lightweight class 10 structures with walls, columns and roof not of concrete or masonry construction.

At CVL Engineers, we facilitate this on behalf of clients.

Once these approvals have been obtained, the assessment process can proceed and follows a typical process.

General Requirements for Building Approvals.

The general requirements for Class 10 structures such as Sheds, Decks, Patios, Pergolas, Caports and the like are listed below.  For more information on these items please refer to Building Approvals for New Residential Dwelling or Renovations.

  1. Architectural Plans
  2. Engineering Plans and Form 15 Certificate
  3. Soil Testing Report.
  4. Builders Details Or Owner Builder Permit.
  5. Build Over Sewer Approvals (where applicable as outlined above).
  6. Amenity & Aesthetics Referral with Local Council (where applicable as outlined above).

We trust that you find this information useful. Feel free to leave us a comment below for further clarification.

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