Decks and covered areas

Before you start building a deck or covered area, check with us to find out what approvals you might need. Decks, balconies and verandahs are class 10a structures under the Building Code of Australia.

Building approval

In line with the Building Regulation 2021, you need approval to build a deck, balcony or verandah if any of the following applies:

  • plan area is more than 10m2
  • overall height is more than 2.4m
  • mean height is more than 2.1m
  • side is longer than 5m
  • floor height is more than 1m above the natural ground surface
  • structure is not freestanding (attached to another building or structure).

Talk to a licenced building certifier to confirm whether you need a building approval.

For more information, see building work that requires building approval.

How to apply

You can lodge an application through a licensed building certifier. They'll take you through the application requirements. Provide as much detail as possible in your application, including supporting reasons for your request.

To find out what documents you need to provide, see the Timber deck or covered area class checklist(PDF, 145KB).

For advice on how to complete the application form, see the DA form guide: Forms 1 and 2.

Online (preferred)

  1. Go to the online customer service portal.
  2. Register an account per business or person to track your application’s progress.
  3. Complete the online application form: DA Form 2.
  4. Complete the online Timber deck or covered area checklist.
  5. Provide the required documents listed on the checklist.
  6. Pay the application fee in line with our fees and charges.

For more information about using the portal, see Development application process.

Email

  1. Complete the application form: DA Form 2.
  2. Complete the Timber deck or covered area checklist(PDF, 145KB) .
  3. Provide the required documents listed on the checklist.
  4. Send your completed application to development@tr.qld.gov.au.
  5. We’ll send you a request for payment in line with our fees and charges.

In person

  1. Print and complete the application form: DA Form 2.
  2. Print and complete the Timber deck or covered area checklist(PDF, 145KB).
  3. Gather the required documents listed on the checklist.
  4. Apply in person at your local Customer Service Centre. 
  5. Pay the application fee in line with our fees and charges.

Assessing your application

After you submit your application, we'll do a site inspection of the property.

We'll assess the proposal in your application and advise you of the outcome.

You must have all necessary approvals in place before starting any work.

Planning approval

In some cases, you may need a planning approval to build a deck. This is likely if the property is Heritage-listed or in a Neighbourhood Character Area.

To find out if you need a planning approval, contact a Technical Advice Officer.

Other approvals

There may be other approvals you need for the proposed work. These include:

  • a siting discretion if you can’t meet the setback requirements or want to build within the setbacks
  • approval to build near or over council assets, such as sewer or water mains.

For more information, see Building near a boundary or infrastructure. You can also call us on 131 872.  

Related information

You can also access referral agency forms online through our customer service portal. The relevant forms are:

  • Referral agency response - discretion/concession
  • Referral agency response - Planning Scheme.
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