Pergola and gazebo building regulations in New South Wales (Rules, requirements and more)

When you’re installing a pergola or gazebo, finding the right information and working out what rules apply to your space can feel a little overwhelming! We understand. That’s why we’ve explained everything you need to know in a clear and simple way.

After reading this article you should have a good understanding of the rules and requirements for installing an outdoor structure in New South Wales.

Please note, in this article we refer to pergola and gazebo interchangeably to describe any outdoor shade structure.

If after reading this article, you feel like you need help, we can do the certification for you or refer you to a local certifier.

Click the button below to contact our certification specialist.

What information does this article cover?

The first section of this article applies to New South Wales and covers building permit and installation requirements for pergolas and gazebos in this region only.

The second section covers rules that apply Australia-wide including: -

• Installing a pergola or gazebo
• Assembling a pergola correctly
• Customising and altering a pergola
• Pergola features
• Pergola accessories
• Ongoing pergola maintenance

Important: This document provides a simplified overview of current regulations in reference to Spa World™ products. It is not a complete guide. We advise all customers to seek independent advice in relation to their own personal site requirements. The information in this article was accurate at the time of writing. This can change without notice and you must check the latest information with your local council.

Vortex Pergolas™ are intended as semi-permanent structures. Please contact a local certifier or your local council for semi-permanent structure approval requirements.

Pergola and gazebo council regulations in New South Wales - your questions answered

Do I need council approval for a pergola or gazebo in New South Wales?

In most circumstances a Vortex™ Pergola is considered an exempt development and won’t require council development approval. That’s because many pergolas have a floor area less than 25m2, are less than 3m in height, and the floor area is less than 1m above the existing ground level.

The Vortex™ Pergola models needing a building permit are the 4800 and 4800M™, as they're larger than 25 square metres (m²).

You will also require approval if the pergola will be situated less than 900mm from the boundary.

Can I install my new pergola or gazebo over an easement in New South Wales

If you’re intending to position the pergola to be over an easement or an asset that belongs to an authority (this could include council, storm water or sewer assets), then you may need to apply for consent with your building permit application.

Spa World™ recommends seeking the advice of a local certifier. These specialists have the tools and knowledge that can help save you time and money. Contact us for a certifier referral in your area.

Do I need drainage for a pergola or gazebo?

Yes, in most cases, you will need to install drainage around your pergola or gazebo if the roof is fully closed or can be closed. We always recommend checking local council regulations before you purchase or install a pergola.

Please note:

• Your council may require you to install drainage around a pergola with fully closing louvres to catch the rainwater that flows across the louvres and down through the posts
• Your council may also require water to be redirected to the household stormwater system, such as the downpipe system from your house.

Depending on your local regulations, you may not be allowed to let the water come out of the water spouts at the bottom of the pergola posts and onto the ground without drainage to catch and redirect it to the household stormwater system.

If you are installing your spa on an existing or new pad, you should consult with a building certifier before any installation to determine the requirements.

Watch: Pergola install compliance & regulations

Does my pergola need to be installed by a registered builder?

No, in general a registered builder isn’t required to install a pergola. You can choose to be an owner-builder. To do this, you may need to apply for an Owner Builders License if the value of the work you plan to do is greater than $10,000.

Pergola and gazebo regulations - Australia

Do I need to hire an electrician for my pergola or gazebo installation?

Yes, if you have a motorised pergola, you will need to hire an electrician to hardwire the electrical supply. This is to ensure the motorised louvre roof and LED lighting operate correctly.

You can schedule an electrician to arrive once the framework (column posts and beams) of the pergola are assembled.

Do I need to hire an engineer for my pergola installation?

You may need an engineer to certify the foundation if you are securing your pergola to a foundation that is not a concrete slab, for example, to a deck, Standard concrete foundations must meet the engineering certifications that are included in the tech sheets supplied with each pergola model.

Can I install my pergola onto a deck?

Yes, a pergola can be installed onto a deck. However you will need an engineer to confirm the deck is structurally strong enough to attach the pergola to it.

Do motorised pergolas or gazebos need electrical approval?

For the safety of your home, friends and family, all 240 volt appliances need electrical approvals. Approvals for a Spa World™ product are available on request by emailing compliance@spaworld.com.au

Can Spa World™ install my pergola?

An installation service is not offered at Spa World™. However, we recommend that you chat with your Spa World™ sales consultant who may be able to provide you with referral options for installers in your area.

How to assemble a pergola

We recommend at least three people are involved with the installation. To learn how a Vortex™ pergola is assembled, watch the video below.

How long does it take to build a pergola?

We suggest that you allow between 4 to 8 hours to fully assemble a Vortex™ pergola. The time depends on a number of factors including level of experience, technical ability and location environment.

Can I adjust the height of the pergola?

The Vortex™ 3300, 4300 and 4600 pergola models have an exterior height of 2.7 metres. It is best to contact a builder or engineer before making plans to reduce the height of the pergola posts.

What paver size is suited to act as a pergola footing?

Pavers are never a suitable option. If the pergola is not secured to a complete slab of minimum 100mm thickness it should have significant footing. The engineers have a footing for underneath each post of up to 2000mm deep and 450mm diameter (depending on pergola size and soil type).

Can I get a pergola in a custom size?

The three Vortex™ pergola models are different in dimension, ranging from 3x3 metres to 4x6 metres and all with a height of 2.7 metres. Spa World­™ does not offer Vortex™ pergolas in custom-made sizes.

Can a pergola be attached to a house?

If you wish to attach a pergola to an existing structure, such as a house, it is recommended to first consult a builder or engineer.

How many motors are on a pergola?

The number of motors on a Vortex™ pergola vary depending on the model. The Vortex™ 3300 has one motor and the 3400 and 4600 models have two motors.

What is the wind rating or classification number on a pergola?

The wind rating for Vortex™ pergolas varies. Please refer to the tech sheets available on the pergola product pages. The BCA (Building Codes of Australia) for the 3300, 3400 and 4600 models is 10a.

What grade of aluminium is a pergola made of?

The grade of aluminum used for Vortex™ pergolas is 6063-T5. For more information on the properties of the aluminium, download the tech sheets available for each pergola model.

Can you change LED lighting on a pergola?

The LED lights on Vortex™ pergolas shine white and coloured LED lights are not available as an optional accessory. You may find other pergola brands offer different options.

Do motorised pergola louvres close when it rains?

Vortex™ pergolas don’t have the ability to close automatically. To close the louvres, you will need to use the remote control or touch pad on the wireless receiver.

Can I buy blinds for my pergola?

Yes, manual pergola blinds can be purchased through Spa World™ for the Vortex™ pergola range. Watch a video about their key features. To learn how to assemble them, watch the step-by-step video below. Please note, motorised pergola blinds aren’t available at this stage.

How to maintain a pergola?

Keeping your pergola in its best condition requires regular maintenance. We recommend you -

• Check the screws are tight and remember to check the screws at least once a year
• If the weather forecasts snowfall or strong winds greater than 80 km/h, we recommend opening the louvre blades
• Don’t open or close blades in frost or snow
• Remove blades from pergola when there’s a lot of snow
• Check seals to make sure they’re in good condition and not vulnerable to leaks
• Clean debris such as fallen leaves regularly to prevent them from blocking the drain
• Watertight systems aren’t designed to ensure complete waterproofing. Heavy rain and strong winds may damage pergola and won't be covered under the warranty.
• Check the stability of the pergola regularly. This is extremely important. Any damage incurred or caused by the pergola detaching from its foundation due to natural disasters, high wind or other extreme weather events is not covered and is the responsibility of the homeowner and installer. It is not covered under the manufacturer's warranty.

In Summary

We hope this article has helped answer your questions about the rules, regulations and what you can and can’t do with your new pergola.

If you need help or have further questions, please get in touch with our Certification Team. We can help with advice and put you touch with recommended certifiers in your area. Click the button below to contact us.

You can also head to the Spa World™ learning centre where you will find a number of articles and videos about the Vortex™ range of pergolas.