Development Information Leaflet
Attachment of Verandahs to Dwellings
This document has been produced to provide guidance to
building designers and builders of verandah (including
pergolas & carports) structures, where the structure is
proposed to be attached to an existing dwelling. Council
has noted a general trend toward larger attached
structures, with larger spans and heights. Given this trend
toward larger attached structures Council has identified
some areas of concern and as such has produced the
following document as a guide to assist in the design and
construction of attached verandahs.
AREAS OF CONCERN
Where attaching verandah type structures to existing
dwellings or structures a number of considerations must
be made in determining compliance with the building
rules. The considerations come under the following
headings:
 wind, live and dead loads;
 structural suitability of the existing structure;
 fire safety provisions;
 stormwater disposal.
STRUCTURAL LOADING
A consideration of the combined effects of loadings is
critical in determining structural suitability. The combined
loads most applicable to verandah type structure are wind
load, live load (e.g. someone working on the roof) and
dead load (self weight of the structures). Where a
verandah is attached to the fascia of an existing dwelling it
is likely that the existing roof frame has not been designed
to carry the additional loads. If this is the case then
additional structural capacity may need to be built into the
existing structure.
STRUCTURAL SUITABILITY OF THE EXISTING
STRUCTURE
As mentioned above the existing structure may require
upgrade works to show adequate structural capacity. This
may include the installation tiedown connections of
greater capacity or the addition of or upgrade of structural
members (rafter stiffeners, knee bracing, steel brackets
etc). It should be noted that particular attention must be
taken when attaching a structure to areas of roof
containing hips and valley’s due to their reduced structural
capacity.
FIRE SAFETY
Where the proposed verandah is located between the
dwelling and the property boundary or another dwelling on
the same allotment the proposed design must have
consideration to Part 3.7.1.6 of the Building Code of
Australia.
STORMWATER
Stormwater management is another critical area in
verandah design, if a shared gutter system is proposed
(i.e. existing gutter is retained and water from the
proposed roof also runs into existing gutter) this will be
deemed as a box gutter. The problems associated with
the use of existing stormwater systems may include
increase flow rates, lack of overflow devices and
undersized components (gutters, downpipes & overflow
devices). In some circumstances (where additional
stormwater load is minimal) existing gutters may be
retained with the addition of more downpipes. In other
cases an appropriately sized box gutter will need to be
installed.
DEFINITIONS
Coupled Roof:
The roof pitch in a coupled roof construction shall be not
less than 10° and ceiling joists and collar ties shall be
fixed to opposing pairs of rafters.
Span:
The combined distance of the overhang (eaves
projection) and width of proposed structure.
Gutters:
Generally gutters for the dwellings have not been
designed to cater for additional roof areas. In simple
terms the South Australian Housing Code (SAHC)
requires downpipes are 12 metre centres and these
parameters could be interpreted to assist with
alternatives in stormwater management.
Using details from the SAHC a suggested condition could
be “a box gutter shall be provided 300mm wide x 70mm
deep (or equivalent capacity) to provide catchment for
the existing roof and side of the verandah. The box
gutter shall be fitted with a rain head and provision for
overflow.”
Alternatively, additional down pipes shall be provided and
located at 6 metre spacing. The standard eaves gutter
shall be altered to prevent overflow back into the
dwelling. e.g. It is important that the gutters have an
overflow provision if there is risk of stormwater entering
the habitable parts of a dwelling.
Ref. AR13/37394[v5]
Attachment of Verandahs to Dwellings cont.…
DOES THE DEVELOPMENT REQUIRE APPROVAL?
Development Approval may not be required if a new
advertising sign is replacing an existing sign (i.e. the
form, size, height, etc is not changing). Most other types
of advertising signage will require development approval.
SIGNAGE FOR HOME ACTIVITIES / HOME BASED
BUSINESSES
All signs for Home Activities / Home Based Businesses
shall meet the following requirements:
 does not exceed 600mm x 600mm in size or 0.36m2 in
area;
 must not be freestanding;
 must be attached to a wall, fence or gate or similar
location to the satisfaction of Council;
 must relate to the premises on which it is displayed;
 must not be illuminated;
 must not detract from the character and amenity of the
locality.
Development Approval is required for advertising signs for
Home Activities / Home Based Businesses; therefore, a
Development Application will need to be to be lodged with
Council.
DEVELOPMENT FORMS AND LEAFLETS
Forms and leaflets are available on Council’s website:
www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au
(Services – Regulatory)
LODGEMENT OF A DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION
Lodgement for development applications can be
submitted electronically via email to:
da@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
As a minimum you are required to submit the information
detailed below with your application.
□ Development Application Form
□ Certificate of Title
Titles can be obtained from the Lands Title Office,
1800 648 176 or www.landservices.sa.gov.au. OR can
be obtained by Council to be included in your
lodgement fee.
□ Electricity Declaration Form
To be completed by or on behalf of the Applicant.
□ Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) levy
Fee required for all work over $40,000.
Payment made direct to www.citb.org.au
A copy of receipt to be given to Council with lodgement
Page | 2
□ Building Indemnity Insurance Certificate
A copy of Insurance required for all domestic work over
$12,000.
□ Payment of Fees
Application fees will be determined at the time of
lodgement.
□ Site Plan (1 Copy)
Drawn to a common scale between 1:100 and 1:500,
showing all of the following:
 locations of any existing and proposed retaining
walls;
 the boundaries and dimensions of the site and any
relevant easements;
 the positions and dimensions of all existing and
proposed building work and their relationship to the
boundaries and any other features that might be
affected by the proposed works;
 the finished floor levels for the proposed building in
relation to adjacent curb levels;
 the method of stormwater drainage;
 the approximate north point;
 proposed building setback dimensions;
 the location of any significant tree on the site or on
adjoining land that might be affected by the work or
that might affect the work proposed to be
performed;
 elevation drawings to a scale of not less than 1:100
of any relevant building showing the location of all
proposed and existing signage; the dimensions of
all proposed and existing signage;
 all details and specification regarding to illumination
(if applicable);
□ Structural Drawings (1 copy)
Structural drawings showing; elevations, footing
details and all material types and sizes:
 all post, rafter, joists, battens and beam locations;
 directions of fall of the roof;
 locations of rafter strengthening brackets; and
 locations of existing and proposed downpipes,
gutters and box gutters (relative to the structure).
 footings and other structural plans, drawn to scale
of not less than 1:100;
 details showing the extent of any excavation or
filling to be carried out on site;
 any other technical details that may be necessary.
This will allow assessment ot ensure that the
proposed structure complies with the manufactures’
recommendations.
The steel flat roof either side of pitched roof verandah.
The pitched roof frame spacing’s are often omitted
and when provided do not match the design
parameters from the manufacturer.
Attachment of Verandahs to Dwellings cont.… Page | 3

□ Truss Manufacturer Specifications (1 copy)

□ Glazing Certificate (1 copy)

□ Engineering Reports
That show the building work will comply with the
Development Act/Regulations and Building Code of
Australia. These may include certification for:
stormwater design, structural design, retaining walls,
steel framing etc, and as determined by Council.

HOW LONG WILL THE DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT

PROCESS TAKE?

Council is legislated under the Development Act 1993, to

complete its assessment of an application within a
prescribed amount of time. However, application
processing times will depend on the nature and
complexity of the development application.

Development application processing time can be affected

by the information that you provide as part of your
development application. If additional information is
required in order for Council to undertake a thorough
assessment of your application, Council will notify the
applicant and not process the application until the
requested information is received.

SUMMARY

As with most guidance documents this document will not

provide answers to all structural scenarios. To ensure the
structural suitability of attached structures in some
circumstances design input from a suitably qualified
structural engineer will be required.

COUNCIL CONTACT DETAILS

Please contact the Operational Services with any other

queries (08) 8721 2555 (Option 2) or email
city@mountgambier.sa.gov.au.

The information contained here is a guide only. It is

recommended that the advice and assistance of the
development Services Division be sought before
undertaking any development.
Attachment of Verandahs to Dwellings cont.… Page | 4

SUMMARY of ATTACHMENT of VERANDAHS to DWELLINGS

Original roof Span of

type attached Comments / Requirements
structure

Steel frame < 4.2  A local stiffener, 90x45 MGP10 1.5 metres long, plus a steel fascia bracket at 1200mm
metre max centres.
 Stiffeners to be double either side of openings greater than 1200mm.
 No openings have been considered greater than 2.7m, (refer to Engineer if openings
greater than 2.7m).
 Verandah pitching beam against the fascia to be a continuous 190x35 minimum.
 Engineer’s calculations required for all attachments if the above cannot be provided,
e.g. where only a back channel is being used.
 Note: Keep in mind and consider the different frame manufacturers varying
requirements.

Steel frame > 4.2  Engineers calculations required for all attachments
metre  Not: Keep in mind and consider the different frame manufacturers varying
requirements.

Timber Truss < 4.2  A local stiffener, 90x45 MGP10, fixed from the fascia extending past the first web / top
metre chord intersection to strengthen the truss, plus a steel bracket to support the fascia at
1200mm maximum centres.
 Stiffeners to be doubled either side of openings greater than 1200mm.
 No openings have been considered greater than 2.7m (refer to Engineer if openings
greater than 2.7m).
 Verandah pitching beam against the fascia to be continuous 190x35 minimum.

Timber < 4.2  A local stiffener, 90x45 MGP10, 1.5 metres long, plus a steel fascia bracket at 1200mm
Conventional metre maximum centres.
 Stiffeners to be doubled either side of openings greater than 1200mm.
 No openings have been considered greater than 2.7m, (refer to Engineer if opening
greater than 2.7m).
 Verandah pitching beam against the fascia to be a continuous 190x35 minimum.

Timber Truss > 4.2  Engineers calculations for the truss stiffener and fascia strengthening bracket.
metre  Engineers calculations for the tie downs to existing dwelling to suit additional uplift.

Timber > 4.2  Engineers calculations for rafter stiffener and fascia strengthening bracket.
Conventional metre  Engineers calculations for the tie downs to existing dwelling to suit additional uplift.

Notes  Consideration must be given to the location of strengthening brackets in relation to hips and valleys
and jack rafters.
o Additional posts may be required to assist in these areas.
 Local stiffeners must be a minimum of 90x45 MGP10.
 Continuous verandah pitching beam against fascia 190x35 minimum. Pitching beam of verandah is
important to spread load between stiffeners, helps load over lintels, helps with hips and valley
connection due to ability to cantilever approx 1200mm (up to 4.2 spans).
 Collar ties to be bolted 2/M12 each connection.

Alternatives  Design the proposed verandah as freestanding on all sides.

 Utilise an appropriately Engineer designed knee bracket to transfer loads to a suitable timber
framed or masonry wall.
 Utilise appropriately Engineer designed tie down straps that are externally fitted and bolted to the
wall and rafter.
Attachment of Verandahs to Dwellings cont.… Page | 5

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS (sheet roof ONLY) for

PITCHED & COUPLED TIMBER FRAMED ROOF VERANDAH

Span of roof Comments / Requirements

< 3 metres  Opposing rafters with ridge ties at maximum 1200mm centres.
 (Note: AS1684 requires collar ties and ceiling ties).

 Opposing rafters with ridge ties and collar ties at maximum 1200mm centres.
3 - 4.2 metres  Collar ties to be located in the bottom third and bolted 2/M12 each end.
 (Note: AS1684 requires collar ties and ceiling ties).

 Opposing rafters with ridge ties and collar ties and ceiling ties at maximum 1200mm centres.
4.2 - 6.0 metres  Collar tie to be located in the bottom third and bolted with a minimum 2/M12 each end.
 (Note: AS1684 requires collar ties and ceiling ties); or

 Opposing rafters with ridge ties and double collar ties at maximum 1200mm centres.
4.2 - 6.0 metres  Collar ties to be located in the bottom third, one either side of the rafters and bolted with a
minimum 2/M12.
 Blocking may be required between collar ties; or

 Opposing rafters with ridge ties and single collar ties at maximum 1200mm centres, appropriately
4.2 - 6.0 metres designed by Structural Engineer.
 Collar ties to be located in the bottom third, bolted with a minimum 2/M12 each end.

 Designed appropriately in full by a Structural Engineer.

> 6.0 metres  (Note: AS1684 requires ridge ties, collar ties, ceiling ties and underpurlins, with associated struts
and beams for support).

Alternative  Try load bearing ridge beam with columns in centre of structure.
Attachment of Verandahs to Dwellings cont.… Page | 6