A patio is a wonderful addition to your property, and you may find a variety of designs online or in design magazines.
It’s important to know that the area directly against the fence is verboten for building any sort of structure, but there are many other options that will allow for the use and enjoyment of your new outdoor space.
How close to the fence can you build a patio?
The Residential Design Codes govern the dimensions of our patio roof and columns, but a general rule is that they must be no closer than 1.0m from a neighboring fence line. We can build up to 500 mm right next to the neighbor’s property with their signed consent form though!
How close to the boundary can I build a patio?
The requirements will differ in urban and rural areas, so it’s best to check with your local shire council for the most up-to-date information. If you are having a fully installed patio built, the installer will take care of this for you.
Under the Residential Design Codes, it is possible to maximize your space but make sure that you keep a distance between columns and roof as per 1.0 meters from your neighbor’s fence.
It’s also possible for you to build up patios within 500mm close proximity near fences if there is the consent given by them or else they can be right next to the fence line only provided that their rooftop remains at least 500mm off from touching any part of the fencing material itself.
Can You Build A Patio Closer Then 1.0M?
Yes, If your patio design calls for more than the allowed 1.0m or 500mm with signed consent, you’ll need to submit a building application and expect to pay an additional fee.
Check with your local council for more information, or hire a patio installer to do the job for you. They’ll be able to tell you how close you can get to your neighbor’s fence without violating the law.
Licensed surveyors say property owners should be wary of attempting to build a patio or deck on boundary lines with neighbors.
Pauline Maisonneuve, the principal solicitor at the Building Practitioners Board, said this was for liability reasons.
“The owner wants to take advantage of the view but has to remember that if a person falls off onto their neighbor’s side and is injured there would be no insurance cover,”
she said. “It might also not comply with Brisbane City Council approval if you built over your boundary line as part of an extension.”
In addition to these concerns, building on a boundary can damage the foundations of neighboring properties.
Mark Bryant from SurveyPoint says up to 80% of damage claims on boundary walls are due to patio construction.
“People that build a deck onto the boundary wall can cause serious and expensive damage to their neighbors’ property,” he said.
Conclusion
According to the building code in most jurisdictions, a patio may not be closer than 1m from the fence setback. And 500 mm if you have written consent from the neighbor.
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