Patio approval in Redland
Redland's distinctive patio rule is about height: a single small, open roof over a deck may rise above the usual building height cap on a gently sloping lot. A small, low, unroofed deck may be exempt building work; most patios and pergolas need building approval through a private certifier.
The council's rules hold that a roof over a deck may go higher than the house cap only while it covers a small area, is the only such cover on the building and has no walls. Patios and decks roofed in impervious material count toward site cover with every other roofed structure, and the lot keeps room for two parked vehicles.
Where a lot adjoins a canal wall, revetment wall or artificial water body, buildings and structures stand well back from it, which often limits waterfront decks and patios. Larger lots carry wide setbacks of their own.
Most residential work runs through private certifiers unless a referral application or a risk overlay applies. Redland maps bushfire, flood, heritage and landslide, and the state adds vegetation; heritage usually brings an assessment before anything else. Siting variations sit with the council. Redland Water decides build-over and lets a lightweight patio or deck on a flat slab with no footings run a limited distance over a small pipe.
The site plan shows the patio outline and roof height, any canal edge, the site cover, and the sewer.
What catches people out in Redland
- A waterfront patio is held well back from the canal or revetment wall.
- Patio roofing counts toward site cover.
- Only one small open roof over a deck gets the height allowance.
What a site plan for a patio or pergola looks like
RapidSiteplan is design software: you confirm details, measure on site and your certifier or council makes the approval decision. This page is general information, not building or legal advice.