Chapter 2: Planning for a Shadesail

There are a number of important things we need to go over before we start. Let’s address them one at a time.

Do I need a permit or local planning permission?

The answer is you should check. My experience over the years has been that virtually every district has slightly different regulations. For instance some council areas stipulate that if you are installing any form of structure with an area greater than 10m² you require council approval. In other areas it can be 15m² or larger. Some councils don’t class shadesails as permanent structures because they are fabric, and unlike a metal roof, can be removed. Others do because the posts are concreted into the ground and this constitutes “a permanent installation.”

I am not able to prove you specific advice on your local area in this book and even if I did, your local planning authority might just as easily change it’s regulations next month and the advice would be out of date.

Accordingly, you should contact your local authority and seek advice[1]. I can confirm, however, that in our experience the following general guidelines apply:

If the shadesail is to be installed in a public area such as park or pool then you will almost certainly require local planning permission.

Most people who install shadesails in their home will seek council approval if the shade sail;

1. casts shade onto a neighbouring area
2. blocks or interferes with a neighbours view
3. is within one metre of a neighbours boundary
4. alters the streetscape
5. can easily be seen by anyone

 

Can I do it myself?

Hopefully with everything you learn here the answer is YES but of course only you can answer this question. This book gives you the information you need to make that assessment.

Even if you can’t, or choose not to do the job yourself, by using the information in this book you will be informed about exactly what needs to happen and will give you a much better chance of getting the end result you want at a fair price rather than hoping you are getting good advice from tradespeople.

[1] Included in the back of the book is an example Local Council Shadesail Requirements Document which will give you an indication as to what documentation a Local Council might need you to supply.