Building Approvals For Building a Deck in Queensland

The Queensland climate practically begs for extended outdoor living. A deck can be the perfect solution, creating a seamless extension of your home and a space to soak up the sunshine.

But before you start hammering away, navigating the approval process and building permits can feel like a battlefield.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of planning and building approvals, explore some crucial considerations beyond permits, and provide valuable resources to help your project run smoothly.

What is Considered a Deck?

A deck is a raised outdoor platform, with a minimum height of 400mm (16 inches) above the surrounding terrain and is typically constructed from timber or composite materials.

It attaches to a building or stands independently, creating an additional living space for relaxation, entertaining, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

Understanding Approvals in Queensland

There are two main approvals you might encounter when building a deck in Queensland: planning approval and building approval. While they may sound similar, they address distinct aspects of your project.

Planning Approval

This focuses on the visual impact your deck will have on the surrounding area. It’s particularly relevant if your property falls within a designated character overlay, such as Traditional Building Character Overlays.

These overlays aim to preserve the architectural style and heritage of specific neighbourhoods.

Check your local council’s website or contact them directly to see if your property is located in a character overlay zone.
If your property is in an overlay, and your deck involves any minor building or demolition work, you’ll likely need planning approval. This could include tasks like removing existing railings or modifying a portion of your exterior wall for deck access.

Building Approval

This approval ensures your deck meets the safety and structural requirements outlined in the Building Code of Australia (BCA). It’s generally mandatory for decks that meet any of the following criteria:

- Overall height exceeding 2.4 meters
- Floor height exceeding 1 meter from the ground
- Any side exceeding 5 meters in length
- Attached to another building or structure (not freestanding)

Exempt Building Work

There are some types of building work that don’t require building approval under the Building Regulation 2021.

Your deck may not require building approval if it meets all the following conditions:

The total deck area must not exceed 10 square meters (roughly a 3.2-meter by 3.2-meter square or a 5-meter by 2-meter rectangular deck).
The deck floor cannot be more than 1 meter above the natural ground level.
The deck must be positioned at least 1 meter away from any property boundary.
The deck cannot be built over a swimming pool or spa.
The deck design cannot incorporate any form of roof structure.

Owners are responsible for complying with relevant planning schemes and should check with their local council before starting any work.

Why Building Approval Matters

While the approval process might seem like a hassle, obtaining building approval offers several advantages:

1. Safety

A certified building professional will scrutinise your deck plans, ensuring they comply with structural safety requirements. This minimises the risk of accidents due to faulty construction.

2. Insurance

Most home insurance policies won’t provide coverage for decks that haven’t received building approval. Building approval demonstrates that your deck meets safety standards, potentially saving you financial burdens in the event of an unforeseen incident.

3. Resale Value

A properly permitted deck can significantly enhance the resale value of your property. Potential buyers will be more confident in the structural integrity and overall quality of the addition.

After your build: ‘Check Your Deck’ Campaign

Many councils in Queensland conduct annual campaigns reminding homeowners to check the structural integrity of their existing decks and balconies. These campaigns highlight the importance of routine maintenance to prevent accidents and injuries.

Here are some of the reasons why it’s important to have your deck inspected by a licensed professional:

Lack of maintenance is a major cause of deck failure.
Regular inspections can help identify problems early before they become serious.
Serious underlying structural problems may not be visible during a visual inspection by a homeowner.

The campaign recommends that you do not attempt to check your deck yourself. Instead, they advise you to hire a licensed builder or private certifier to conduct a thorough inspection.

Contact iCertified today!

By understanding the planning application and approval process, you can create a functional and safe deck that will be the envy of the neighbourhood.

Our team at iCertified is here to help you navigate the building approval process. With accredited private building certifiers on the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Sunshine Coast in Queensland, we’ll ensure your project complies with industry standards and regulations.