Before starting any deck project, there are specific approvals you'll need to secure. Find out about requirements and how to apply.
Definitions
- Deck: An outdoor area, either flat or raised, made from wood or water and insect-resistant materials. It can be standalone or attached to a building.
- Privacy screens: Structures designed to obstruct the view from the deck into neighbouring properties, made from durable materials and fixed in place.
- Setback: The required distance between your deck and the property boundaries.
- Development (Planning) Approval: This is the City’s approval of your project's design and location, ensuring it aligns with local zoning and planning rules. It's the essential first step for any new building or significant alteration on your property.
- Building Permit: A formal permission from the City for the construction, extension, or major renovation of a building, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.
- R-Codes: R-Codes, formally known as Residential Design Codes, are a set of regulations that govern residential development in Western Australia. They detail the minimum requirements for the design and assessment of residential properties, focussing on aspects like building size, open space, setbacks, and density to ensure sustainable and community-friendly development across various residential zones.
How to apply
Multiple dwellings, commercial developments or caravan parks
All decks associated with multiple dwellings, commercial developments or caravan parks will require Development (Planning) Approval. Proceed to Step 2.
Residential single house or grouped dwelling
Development (Planning) Approval is not required for decking 500mm or less in height from the natural ground level.
Decking 500mm or greater from natural ground level does not require a Development (Planning) Approval if it complies with the following:
- Setback requirements: The setback requirements depend on your property's R-Code density.
- Please note: For dual-density code not developed to the higher density, adhere to the R20 setback requirements.
| R-Code Density | Minimum Side or Rear Setbacks |
|---|---|
| R20 | Deck length of 10-14m and privacy screen provided: 1m Deck length more than 14m and/or no privacy screen provided: 1.5m |
| R20/25 | 1m |
| R20/30 | 1m |
| R20/40 | 1m |
| R20/60 | 1m |
- Privacy screens: If your deck is within 7.5 metres of the side or back boundary, you must install a privacy screen at least 1.6 metres high from the deck surface, made from durable materials.
- Additional requirements: If your property is located within a structure plan area, additional requirements may apply.
Not sure of your R-Code or if your property is in a structure plan area? Insert your address into our online mapping system to view the R-Code and structure plan details. Contact the City of you need assistance.
If you do not require Development (Planning) Approval, proceed to Step 3.
If your project does not comply with the requirements set out in Step 1 above, you will need to apply for Development (Planning) Approval. This requires submitting an application form, along with building plans and a cover letter. Application fees will apply.
For detailed information, refer to the Requirements for planning applications page.
The National Construction Code sets nationwide standards for building design and construction, focusing on safety, health, and amenity.
Your deck requires a Building Permit if it:
- Exceeds 20m² in size.
- Is higher than 500mm.
- Is located less than 900mm from any boundary.
- Is in a Bushfire Prone Area.
- Includes privacy screens.
You have two options when applying for a Building Permit:
- Certified application: Lodge a BA1 form, accompanied by a Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3 form) signed by a registered building surveyor, confirming compliance with building standards.
- Uncertified application: Lodge a BA2 form, accompanied with the Uncertified Building Application Checklist – Deck (PDF).
You can download BA1 and BA2 forms from the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry, Regulation and Safety website.
For more detailed information, including the application form, checklist, assessment process, and fees can be found on the Requirements for Building Applications page.
More information and contact
For more information on approval and permit requirements for decks and screens, contact the City on 9400 4000 or via info@joondalup.wa.gov.au. You can also visit the City’s Customer Care desk during office hours Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 5pm.