Tag: decks

Are you looking to design and build a deck?

We can assist you with the entire design and council application process for the construction of a new deck or alterations to an existing one.

Decks and similar structures including patios, pergolas, balconies, terraces and verandahs can range significantly in height, bulk, materiality and overall aesthetic design. These features will determine how much your addition (or alteration) impacts the length and difficulty of the Council approval process.

Your Local Council or an Accredited Private Certifier will evaluate how your decking structure impacts on stormwater, landscaped area, overall design and privacy.

Our experienced team can help advise you as to which factors need to be considered and will help you weigh their costs (of both time and money) against the benefits of each feature.

 What type of application (and approval) is needed to build a deck?

A deck can be approved with a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) obtained through a Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) or through a Development Application (DA) submitted to your Local Council. The PCA can either be your Local Council or an Accredited Private Certifier.

A CDC can be less time consuming than a DA and may be issued for a deck in select zones if the proposal meets all relevant development standards outlined in State and Local Government legislation and policies. A Section 10.7 Planning Certificate from your Local Council outlines what planning controls apply to your specific site and whether a deck can be developed with a CDC for certain.

If your deck does not qualify for a CDC, a DA can be lodged with Council. Your Local Council will assess your proposal against relevant development standards and consider the impact the deck will have on the subject site and surrounding locality. Unlike a CDC, if the deck does not meet every relevant development standard it may still be approved based on merit.

Corona Projects is familiar with your Local Council, DA approval applications and engages their own preferred Private Certifier where a CDC is possible. This ensures that our client’s applications are approved the first time.

Is Council or PCA approval always required?

In some cases, a deck can be erected or altered without seeking approval from your Local Council or Private Certifier. This is considered Exempt Development and can only be done if the proposal meets all relevant development standards outlined in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 and local planning policies.

Exempt Development is considered ‘low impact’ development and can be done for particular residential, commercial and industrial properties.

The design of your deck and applicable controls will vary for every property. Some key characteristics that may render your deck design eligible for Exempt Development on select properties include:

• Location behind your front building line; and
• Setback from your lot boundary by 5m if in an RU1, RU2, RU3, RU4, RU6 or R5 or 900mm in any other zone; and
• An area equal to or less than 25 square metres; and
• Wall height equal to or less than 1.4 metres; and
• Floor height equal to or less than 1 metre above existing ground level; and
• Overall height equal to or less than 3 metres above the existing ground level.

If you want to find out if your deck qualifies for Exempt Development, the team at Corona Projects can determine this before undertaking its construction, saving you time and money.

Why do I need professional assistance in the design and application process for a deck?

Building a deck may seem like a simple exercise, but as we know, looks can be deceiving! If not done correctly, the application for a simple deck extension can become costly and time consuming. If you don’t acquire the necessary council approval before building, this could result in illegal building works and local councils do not look kindly on that.

Corona Projects have years of experience with applying for the construction and alteration of decks and similar structures. Our thorough knowledge of State and Local Government planning legislation paired with our comprehensive understanding of Local Council and Private Certifier processes means that we get it right for you first time.

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