Planning permits are not required for general gardening on roof tops, such as planting and pruning, within the City of Melbourne.
Planning permits are required to carry out works (including the building of structures like pergolas or the structures that are used for green walls).
Constructing a green roof therefore may require planning permission, particularly if the building is affected by a heritage overlay.
Planning process
A planning permit ensures works are legal and prevents unreasonable impacts on neighbours. Failure to comply can result in fines or other penalties.
When planning a green roof or wall always check whether a planning permit is required at the early design stages. A pre-application meeting can be arranged with the City of Melbourne to discuss site specific issues and design feasibility. This will ensure the permit process runs as smoothly and quickly as possible.
The City of Melbourne encourages planning permit applicants to arrange a meeting with a planning officer before lodging a planning application. Planning officers provide preliminary advice on the proposal and the type of information needed with the application.
To find out if you need a planning permit and what the relevant requirements are, please visit Melbourne Planning Scheme or call the City of Melbourne on 03 9658 9658.
Building Permit process
A building permit may be needed to construct a green roof or wall. Some of the issues that a building surveyor would consider prior to issuing a permit include:
- site considerations – is a planning permit required, or does this location need to be assessed against the building regulations?
- a report from a structural engineer if additional loads are proposed, people, planted areas, retained water, additional structures
- applicable fire ratings for new structures
- access for people occupying the area
- waterproofing and drainage of the existing structure and new green roof area to ensure health and amenity of occupants below the roof is not compromised
- safe movement for users in and around the area, including ramps, stairs and balustrades
- any necessary alterations to “essential safety measures” within the building, for example additional emergency and exit lighting
- adequate and legal weatherproofing and drainage.