6.5 Pergolas
Pergolas are simple-framed and unroofed structures which are often used as garden features.
What the law says
Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004
Exemption 6. Pergolas
Building work in connection with a pergola.
How it works
For the purposes of this exemption, pergolas may either be attached to a building or freestanding. There is no limit on their size, but they must not be roofed.
What is exempt
- An owner purchases a kitset for a 26 square metre, 2.4 metre high pergola.
- A vineyard owner constructs a 100 square metre, five metre high pergola for wedding receptions.
- A builder attaches a 10 square metre pergola to a dwelling. The pergola is over a deck which is accessed via French doors from the living room.
- A council installs a three metre wide decorative pergola that runs the full length of a 250 metre long pathway in a public park.
What needs consent
- An owner wishes to alter a 32 square metre pergola attached to their house by fitting clear polycarbonate roofing material to the structure. As the pergola will be roofed, it will not be covered by this exemption. The addition of the roof will turn it into a veranda but, as its area is greater than 30 square metres, it will not be covered by exemptions 17, 17A or 46 (sections 6.1 Porches and verandas not exceeding 20 square metres (exemption 17), 6.3 Porches and verandas exceeding 20 square metres in floor area but not exceeding 30 square metres (exemption 17A) or 6.2 Porches and verandas exceeding 20 square metres in floor area but not exceeding 30 square metres (exemption 46)) (porches and verandas) either and will require a building consent.
- A garden centre wants to erect several pergolas covered in plastic sheeting to provide shelter for customers in the outside courtyard. The addition of the plastic covering to form a closed roof and walls means that the structures are no longer pergolas for the purpose of this exemption and a building consent will be required.