Yes the only structure that would avoid a building permit is a freestanding structure under $5,000 in contract value.

As soon as you attach a structure to a home a building permit is required.

Some clients will be confused and claim they called the council or seen an article in a newspaper about permits not being needed for verandas BUT that will be in relation to planning permits which are issued by the council the home is part of not building permits.

Planning permits are things that different councils govern and sometimes will apply and sometimes not. An example where a planning permit is always required across all councils is when the property is a unit.

An approved planning permit is something that may be required as part of getting a building permit approved just like other requirements that sometimes get requested like build of easement, length on boundary dispensation etc..