DID YOU GET A NOTICE FROM THE COUNCIL?
Building a structure in your garden can be a great way to enhance the beauty of your outdoor space and create a place to relax and entertain. However, it’s important to remember that any structure you build, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, may require approval from your local council.
If you have received a notice from the council regarding a structure you built in your garden, such as a pergola, planters, or deck, that you thought was not structural, it can be a stressful experience. The first thing you need to do is to understand why the council has issued this notice and what steps you can take to resolve the situation.
It’s important to know that the council may require approval for any structure that meets certain criteria, such as height, size, or location. This is to ensure that the structure is safe, doesn’t pose a risk to neighbouring properties, and is compliant with local regulations.
If you have received a notice from the council, it’s important to consult with a professional landscaper or architect to assess the situation. They can advise you on whether the structure you have built requires approval and what steps you need to take to ensure compliance.
In some cases, you may need to obtain a structural certification for your structure. This is a document that certifies that the structure is safe and compliant with local regulations. A professional landscaper or architect can provide this certification for you, or you can engage a structural engineer to assess your structure and provide certification.
HOW WE HELPED THE RESIDENTS OF 9 ROSS ST., TO RESPOND TO A COUNCIL LETTER?
CESCON can help you respond to a notice from the council regarding multiple structural issues by carrying out a thorough assessment of the structure in question and helping design the required strengthening to bring it into compliance.
The residents of 9 Ross St. added an external pergola and covered seating to their backyard to increase property value, but did not obtain prior approval and a permit from the council. They received a letter from the council requiring a certificate of structural compliance for the new structure. To address this issue, the owners reached out to CESCON. We performed a thorough conditional assessment of the structure and evaluated its stability. We noted that the pergola was tied into the existing house and checked the existing structure to determine if it could support any additional loads from the new structure. We also conducted an onsite dimensional analysis to create a floor plan that included the new structure, which was necessary for council document review and approval. CESCON provided the required certificate of compliance and a report commenting on the stability of the pergola, along with advice for the owners to maintain the new structure.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW?
Homeowners should always check with their local council before adding any structures to their property as some structures may require structural design. Structures like pergolas, external canopies, retaining walls, planters, heavy-duty sculptures, and statues may need to undergo a structural design evaluation before installation. This ensures that the new structure is safe, compliant with local building codes, and able to withstand loads and stresses it may encounter. Failing to do so can result in costly repairs or even removal of the structure. CESCON is here to educate and inform homeowners of these important requirements and guide them through the process of obtaining necessary approvals and certificates. Contact us today to help ensure that your property additions are safe and compliant.
