Outdoor Decking in Sydney: The Necessary Permits to Secure Before a Decking Project

27 November 2020

Outdoor living spaces like decks, patios and pergolas are landmark home features that feature the Australian way of life. Warm afternoons in the backyard, soaking up the summer sun in one hand and BBQ tongs in the other.

These living spaces are certainly justifiable regardless of the renovation costs since it creates new memories with family and companions, as well as substantially increasing the value of your home. There’s a ton of information out there and it doesn’t always make a ton of sense, so here is an outdoor decking guide in terms of the necessary permits to secure before a decking project. 

NSW Council Approval for Different Developments

Exempted Developments – No Approvals Required

Decks, patios and pergolas are a couple of the many improvements that can be completed on your property without approval. However, there are precise regulations around certain scenarios so you have to be careful about this, as the boards may require the structure be taken down or eliminated if it doesn’t meet these regulations. Among these specific circumstances are, if your property is in an environmentally-sensitive area: bushfire inclined land or within a heritage site.

Complying Developments – Fast-Tracked Approval

A complying development generally includes larger building works than exempted development, so there is a need for authorization from a building professional (known as a certifying authority). Complying developments are also liable to states of approval to ensure the safety of the surrounding area during the project timeframe.

Examples of complying improvements include building a granny flat, a pool, a fence, or renovating a home. If your renovation or project is a complying advancement or it requires an improvement application through a committee, you’ll have to apply for a BASIX certificate.

Do You Need Council Approval for a Deck? Patio? Pergola?

Under Exempted Developments, you only need to assemble your deck, patio or pergola within the predetermined regulations so you can work without committee approval.

Check Laws or Legislations For Your Local Area

You may not require committee approval, yet you may need to follow laws and legislations set in place by the local government. Adjoining property rights, for example, allows you to assemble another pergola, deck or patio insofar as it doesn’t interfere with your neighbours or their property. You need to acquire the consent from your neighbours,  and make the push to secure their home as well as yours. It is an important move to start your project. Think about the area and be smart about it. Also make sure you consider water mains, stormwater drains and electrical cables before building, too. There’s nothing more regrettable than having your hot water, power or internet cut out abruptly.