How close to the boundary can I build a deck?

How close a deck can go to the boundary depends first on how high it sits, then on the siting rules for your lot, which change with the state and the zone. A deck close to the ground is usually allowed nearer a boundary than a raised one, and a deck with a roof over it is usually measured like any other building. Closer than the rules allow, the council has to agree before the building approval is given.

Why does the height of the deck matter?

Because height brings overlooking, fire and safety into the question. A low deck is close to a paved area in how the rules see it, while a raised deck looks over fences, needs a balustrade and can count toward the building’s own setbacks. In some states the height also decides whether the deck needs building approval at all, and the post on what size deck needs approval covers that part.

Who sets the deck setback?

It varies by state. In Queensland the state’s siting rules give the distances, the council’s planning scheme can change them, and the council decides any siting variation before the certifier approves the building work. In New South Wales a deck that meets the standards for exempt or complying development keeps the distances those pathways set, and others go to the council. In Victoria the building surveyor checks the siting rules and asks the council for consent where the deck sits outside them.

What if the deck is overlooking the neighbour?

Several states have rules on overlooking for a raised deck that can see into a neighbour’s windows or private open space. The usual answers are a greater distance, a privacy screen along the side that faces the neighbour, or a smaller deck. The council weighs privacy and outlook where the deck falls outside those rules.

What should the site plan show?

the distance from the edge of the deck to each boundary
the height of the deck above the ground below it
any roof over it, and where its water goes
screens on any side that faces a neighbour

Reading it for your own lot

RapidSiteplan reads the council and building rules for your lot from its address, checks the design against them as you place it, lets you edit it as often as you like, and prints the site plan. Site plans and assessments in minutes. Place the deck at its real size and its distance to every boundary reads off the plan as you move it.

Search your address, or see what the plan shows for a patio, deck or carport. The Casey page lists what we hold for that council, and site plans by council covers the rest of Australia.

Common questions

How close to the boundary can I build a deck? It depends on how high the deck sits and on the siting rules for your lot, which change with the state and the zone. A deck close to the ground is usually treated more lightly than a raised one. Closer than the rules allow, the council has to agree first.

Is the deck setback the same as for the house? Not always. A low deck is often allowed closer to a boundary than the house, and a raised or roofed deck is usually measured like a building. The council’s rules and the state’s siting rules say which applies.

What if my deck is overlooking the neighbour? Several states ask a raised deck that looks into a neighbour’s yard or windows to keep further back or to carry a privacy screen. The council decides where the deck is outside those rules, and it can ask for the neighbour’s comments.