Most decks need a building permit
In WA most decks need a building permit, especially decks that are raised off the ground or attached to the house. The permit checks the footings, the frame, the connection to the house and, for higher decks, the balustrade.
Some councils treat a small, freestanding deck sitting almost on the ground differently. Because the answer varies, we confirm it with your council before you build.
Raised decks
A deck high enough that someone could fall from it needs a balustrade that meets the building code. Raised decks can also need planning approval, because they can look into a neighbour's yard or windows. The R-Codes have visual privacy setbacks for raised outdoor areas, and a deck that doesn't meet them may need screening or approval.
Decks with a roof
If the deck has a pergola or patio roof over it, the roof is assessed as a patio or pergola as well. We cover both in one application.
Decks around pools
A deck next to a pool can affect the pool barrier, for example by creating a place for a child to climb over the fence. The barrier rules apply on top of the deck permit. See our sister site Pool Council Approval.
What we prepare
- Site plan with the deck, house and boundary distances
- Deck plan and elevations showing heights, joists, bearers and footings
- Balustrade details for raised decks
- Engineering if the deck needs it, forms, consent and lodgement