Building a garage can be an excellent addition to your property. Whether you’re using it to house a vehicle, as extra storage, or converting it into a home office or gym, it’s essential to understand the rules and regulations regarding planning permission.
In Australia, just like in many other regions, certain laws govern the construction and conversion of garages, depending on various factors such as size, height, and proximity to your house. This article will guide you through everything you need to know to determine whether you need planning permission for your garage.
Let’s get straight to the point.
In most cases, you won’t need planning permission to build a garage if it complies with size and height restrictions, such as staying under 4 metres tall and covering less than half your land. However, larger garages, living space conversions, and heritage or conservation area projects may require permission.
Always check with your local council for specific regulations, especially for double garages, garage extensions, or structures near property boundaries. If in doubt, consult a professional to ensure compliance.
Garage Construction: Planning Permission Requirements
General Guidelines
Most garages are classified as outbuildings, meaning they often fall under permitted development rights. You can build them without formal permission if specific conditions are met. However, the following scenarios are key instances when you might need planning approval:
- Size of the Garage:
- If your proposed garage takes up more than half of your property’s land, you will likely need planning permission. Most councils consider the area around your home not covered by buildings to determine this.
- If the floor space of your detached garage exceeds 15m², or 30m² if it’s attached to the house, you will need permission.
- Height of the Garage:
- Planning permission is typically optional for garages under 4 metres in height. However, special permissions may be required if the eaves exceed 2.5 metres or you are building a garage with a dual-pitched roof.
- Permission is mandatory for any garage exceeding these heights or having more than one storey.
- Living Spaces:
- Depending on local regulations, you may need planning permission to convert your garage into a habitable space (e.g., a home office or gym).
Planning Permission For Garage Building
In most cases, you do not need planning permission to build a garage as long as you adhere to size and height restrictions. However, planning permission will be required if you are in a heritage area, near conservation zones, or on a property with special conditions.
Suppose you need clarification on the rules in your local area. In that case, it’s always a good idea to consult with your local council or hire a professional planner to ensure you comply with all regulations.
Planning Permission For Garage Conversions
In many cases, converting an existing garage into a different space, such as a living area or office, does not require planning permission, especially if the changes are internal and don’t involve extending the garage.
However, some developments may require approval if they significantly change the garage’s structure or function.
For example:
- Planning permission may be necessary to convert your garage into a self-contained dwelling or studio apartment.
- Depending on the scale and complexity of the renovation, converting a garage into a kitchen or living room extension may also require permission.
Planning Permission For Garage Extensions
Extending a garage is a common way to add extra space, but it can also trigger the need for planning permission, especially if:
- The new structure will exceed 4 metres in height.
- The extension covers more than half of the land around the original property.
- The garage will be used for habitable purposes.
Again, checking with your local planning authority or employing a qualified builder can help you navigate the requirements.
Different Types Of Garages And Their Planning Permission Requirements
Wooden Garages
There are two main types of garages: wooden and pre-cast sectional. Garages are generally considered temporary structures, meaning they often don’t need planning permission.
This applies if they stay under 4 meters tall and occupy less than half of your property. However, if you want to add features like a balcony, raised platform, or veranda, things change.
These additions can significantly alter the appearance and functionality of your garage, potentially impacting your property’s overall design and use. Therefore, seeking permission ensures compliance with local regulations and avoids potential complications.
Double Garages
Building a double garage often requires planning permission, as they are typically larger than single garages. While a double garage might fit within the 4-meter height limit, exceeding the permitted land area can trigger the need for permission.
This is because larger structures can significantly impact the appearance and use of your property. Local authorities carefully consider the impact of such structures on the surrounding environment and neighbourhood. Therefore, it’s always best to check with your local council before starting any construction project to ensure compliance with regulations.
Garage Conversions
Garage conversions often avoid the need for planning permission if they stay within the original building footprint and are used for non-habitable purposes. Without permission, you can convert your garage into a workshop, storage space, or home office.
However, converting it into a living space with a new kitchen or bedroom may require permission. Creating habitable spaces can significantly impact the property’s character and potentially affect neighbours and traffic flow.
It’s always advisable to consult with your local council to determine specific requirements and avoid any potential issues.
Room Above A Garage
Adding a room above your garage almost always requires planning permission. Any garage exceeding 4 meters in height or involving the creation of additional living space typically necessitates approval from the council.
Such additions significantly alter the property’s appearance and potentially impact the surrounding area. Features like balconies or verandas increase the likelihood of requiring permission, as they can affect the property’s overall design and use.
Consulting with your local council early in the planning process is crucial to ensuring compliance with regulations and avoiding potential complications.
Factors That Influence Whether You Need Planning Permission
Proximity To Boundaries
Building too close to property boundaries, within 2 meters, often triggers planning permission requirements, especially if the structure exceeds certain height restrictions. This ensures sufficient space for access, light, and privacy for neighbouring properties.
Conservation Areas Or Heritage Zones
Properties in conservation areas or listed as heritage sites require special permission for any changes, even if the garage meets standard permitted development criteria. This ensures the preservation of the area’s unique character and historical significance.
Drainage And Environmental Factors
Certain areas have specific restrictions related to drainage, flooding, and environmental concerns. In these cases, councils may require planning permission for garage construction to ensure it doesn’t negatively impact the local environment.
This includes assessing the potential for increased runoff, disruption of existing drainage systems, or any other environmental hazards. The council aims to protect the area’s natural resources and prevent any detrimental effects from new construction projects.
How To Apply For Planning Permission
If it turns out that you need planning permission, the process generally involves:
- Submitting detailed plans of your proposed garage, including its dimensions, location, and intended use.
- Paying an application fee to your local council.
- Waiting for the council to assess your proposal and determine if the garage meets their requirements.
You can apply for planning permission in Australia through your local council’s website or planning office. It is advisable to work with an architect or qualified builder to ensure your application is complete and correct.
Conclusion
Whether or not you need planning permission for a garage depends on several key factors, including the size, height, and proximity to boundaries. In many cases, especially for standard-sized garages that fall within permitted development guidelines, you may not require planning permission.
However, planning permission will likely be necessary if your garage exceeds height limits, takes up more than half of your property’s land, or involves converting into a habitable space.
Other considerations include local restrictions such as heritage zones, conservation areas, and environmental regulations, which may require additional approvals. Whether constructing a new garage, converting an existing one, or building a double garage, consulting with your local council is always advisable to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garage
What’s The Biggest Garage You Can Build Without Planning?
To use permitted development rights and avoid a planning application, your garage must be no more than one storey high. That means you’d need to keep the eaves height to 2.5 metres or less.
Do I Need Building Regs For A Garage?
Building a new garage attached to an existing home normally requires approval from building regulations. Building a new attached carport (open on at least two sides) would not normally require approval from building regulations if it is less than 30 square metres in floor area.
Do You Need Planning For A Concrete Garage?
In most cases, planning permission is not required for a concrete garage, as it is classed by law as a temporary structure.
Can I Build My Garage?
Building a garage by yourself is a serious project, but it can be done with enough motivation, planning, and knowledge. By taking on the project yourself or contracting out portions, you could save money by hiring a full-service general contractor.
How Big Can A Single Garage Be?
On average, a one-car garage is 12 feet wide and 22 feet deep. Other common sizes are 14 x 22 feet, 16 x 24 feet, and 14 x 24 feet. These bigger one-car garages are great for storage space in addition to the space for your vehicle. Two-car garage dimensions are generally 18 feet wide by 20 feet deep.
