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Pergolas

This is a new exemption, introduced in October 2008.

Exemption (jb) of Schedule 1

A building consent is not required for the following building work:

(jb) the construction, alteration, or removal of a pergola.

Guidance

Pergolas are simple, framed unroofed structures and are often used as garden features.

This exemption relates to pergolas that are attached to a building or stand alone. Pergolas may be removed, altered and constructed providing the building work complies with the Building Code.

Please note that this exemption does not relieve the owner of any other requirements under the Resource Management Act 1991 and any local district plan rules and provisions.

Examples where this exemption could apply Examples where building consent is required
  • An owner purchases a kit-set 6-square-metre pergola. It is installed in a garden area ad it complies with the Building Code.
  • A vineyard constructs a 100-square-metre pergola for wedding receptions. The pergola is designed by an appropriate person and complies with the Building Code.
  • An owner wishes to alter an 18-square-metre pergola attached to her house by fitting clear long-run roofing material to the structure. As a result, the pergola is now deemed to be a veranda and, as it is greater than 15 square metres, it will require a building consent.