Hi Mike
What are the council regulations for installing pergolas in ACT ? I would like to install approximately 25 square meter (may be little bit more, if permitted)
in my house . Does the roof of the pergola need to be below the house roof ? What are the implications of not obtaining a council approval ?
Thanks
Naru

Answer:

Dear Naru,
Thank you.  This is the easiest question I have ever had to answer.
In the ACT there are at least two approvals that are needed: firstly a development (planning) approval and secondly a building approval.  However, there are a number of structures that under certain conditions may be exempt from needing approval.

The Act Planning and land Authority have a publication that outlines what does not need approval and under what circumstances.  You can find this publication at http://www.actpla.act.gov.au in the menu on the left hand side click on publications.  In publications the title of the publication you are looking for is “Exemptions from development and/or building approval”

You should and be able to identify just what can and can not be done without approval based on the publication.  Hopefully after reading this document you will also be able to make a decision about the extent of your proposals. 
I hope this helps.

Kind regards,
Mike