My own personal experience.
polkin789,
I can only advise you on my own experience and yes I'm a Melbourne boy too.
I built a 4 x 6m deck (1m off the ground) in a courtyard about 1.5 from the neighbouring boundary with no permit.
Subsequently I then submitted plans for a pergola to cover it but used different footing holes for the pergola posts. So in effect they are two seperate structures.
I had no problem whatsoever with the approval of the pergola which is covered in polycarb. Bloke came out to inspect the footing then came back for final inspection......no problems.
Attachment 71854 Attachment 71855 Attachment 71856
That was my experience.
Cheers,
Dr - 307.