So, you want to add a new patio or carport. That’s a smart way to add value to your home and improve your lifestyle. And it makes good sense on the Sunshine Coast to enhance your outdoor areas because it can transform the way you use your home. But, before the concrete is poured or the posts go in, you’ve probably even asked yourself this question: Do I need council approval?
We’ve been building patios on the Sunshine Coast for almost 30 years. We guide homeowners through this process every week. Here’s what you need to know about approvals on the Sunshine Coast, and how Coastal Patios makes it easy for you.
Why Approvals Matter
It might feel frustrating to hear that patios and carports often need council approval, but there’s a good reason for it. The process protects your investment, makes sure your structure is safe, and keeps you on the right side of local laws. Skip it, and you could end up with fines, costly delays, or even an order to pull the whole thing down.
When Council Approval Is Required
Every property is different, but in general:
- Patios and carports attached to your home almost always need approval.
- Freestanding structures may require approval depending on size, height, and boundary setbacks (how close they sit to the boundary).
- Very small, low-impact structures (under 10 m² or below 3 m high) may qualify as exempt, but only in limited cases. Always double-check before you build.
- Flood-prone or bushfire zones come with extra requirements.
- Heritage or character overlays can restrict your design options.
Pro tip: It doesn’t matter if you’ve seen neighbours add a carport without approval. Play it safe. Never assume it applies to your property.
Common Triggers for Approval
On the Sunshine Coast, the most common triggers include: overall height, distance to boundaries, connection to your home’s roofline, site wind category, and total floor area. When you invite us (Coastal Patios) to quote, we’ll check each of these for you in the first consult.
How Coastal Patios Handles the Approval Process
We don’t leave you to figure it out alone. When you choose Coastal Patios:
Site assessment
We check setbacks, zoning and any overlays (flood, bushfire, character).
Engineering & design
All designs are fully engineered to meet Queensland building standards and coastal conditions.
Paperwork lodged for you
We prepare and submit your building application to council or a private certifier.
Smooth approvals
Our experience means fewer delays and a faster turnaround. This means you can enjoy your new space sooner.
Do You Need to go to Council or Use a Certifier?
Here’s how it works:
- Council approval: Required for certain overlays (flood, bushfire, heritage). Council tends to take longer, often 4–6 weeks.
- Private certifier approval: In many straightforward cases, a private building certifier can issue approval faster: often 1–2 weeks.
Coastal Patios advises on the best pathway upfront, to save you time and ensure that everything we build you is compliant (and stress-free).
What Happens If Approval Isn’t Needed?
Some smaller, low-impact structures may be exempt from approvals. If that’s the case, we’ll tell you straight away… so you don’t waste any time or cost.
Take a Look at a Couple of Local Examples
1: Freestanding Carport in Buderim
In Buderim, the Hobbs family wanted extra shade for their teenager’s car, so they planned a freestanding carport. Because the structure sat close to the boundary and was larger than 10 m², council approval was required. Coastal Patios took care of the setback assessment and lodged the application with a private certifier, who granted approval in under two weeks. With the paperwork sorted quickly, the carport was installed without a hitch.
2: Attached Patio in Caloundra
The Wilsons in Caloundra contacted Coastal Patios for a patio quote because they wanted a covered outdoor dining area to tie seamlessly into their roofline.
This kind of roof-attached patio automatically requires council approval, so we set about to prepare the detailed engineering drawings and wind ratings as part of the application. We managed the entire process with Sunshine Coast Council, and approval was granted in about four weeks. With everything signed off, construction began straight away, and the Wilsons were barbecuing out the back within weeks!
The Coastal Patios Difference
Many builders leave homeowners to chase approvals on their own. We see it differently: the approval process is part of our service. Your project should feel exciting, not stressful.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re thinking about a patio or carport, talk to our team first. We’ll confirm whether you need approval, handle the application if you do, and design a structure that’s compliant, beautiful and built to last.
Book a free on-site consultation with Coastal Patios today and let’s make it easy. Use the form, or just call us on 07 5437 9525. We’d be delighted to help you.
FAQs
Q: What happens if I build without approval?
A: You could face fines, insurance complications, or be ordered to demolish the structure. If you try to sell your property with unapproved structures, it can be problematic (and you could lose a sale).
Q: Does every carport need approval?
A: Not always. Very small or exempt carports sometimes qualify, but most full-sized carports do need approval. Coastal Patios always checks your exact situation before you commit.
Q: Who organises the approval, me or Coastal Patios?
A: We handle the entire process, from paperwork to engineering certification. You won’t have to deal with council directly.
Q: Can I start building before approval is granted?
A: No. Work must not begin until approval is issued. Starting early risks fines and project delays.