Deck & pergola rules in Australian Capital Territory (2026)
Often exempt if within the size and height limits
An unroofed deck can be exempt from both a Development Approval and a Building Approval if its floor is no more than 1 m above ground, its highest point is no more than 3 m off the ground, and it has no unsupported span over 4 m. Unroofed pergolas up to 3 m high (behind the building line and 1.5 m off side and rear boundaries) are also exempt.
Key rules at a glance
| Deck exempt | Unroofed; floor 1 m or less above ground; highest point 3 m or less; no unsupported span (incl. cantilever) over 4 m |
| Pergola exempt | Unroofed; 3 m or less above ground (up to 4 m if under a 30-degree plane); behind the building line |
| Pergola setback | More than 1.5 m from side and rear boundaries |
| Roofed structures | Adding a roof generally removes the exemption |
| Heritage | Exemption does not apply to registered heritage places or precincts |
| Lease conditions | Must sit within your lease and comply with the lease and Territory Plan |
Conditions & eligibility
- The deck must stay unroofed to be exempt
- Floor level no more than 1 m above natural ground level
- Structure behind the building line of the block
- Not on land with a heritage registration or in some overlay areas
- Must comply with the Territory Plan setbacks and plot ratio
Heritage, flood and bushfire controls on your specific lot can remove the fast-track and require a full application, even when the general rules say you're fine.
How approval works in Australian Capital Territory
The Planning (Exempt Development) Regulation 2023 lets many decks and pergolas skip a Development Application (DA) and a Building Approval (BA) if they meet every criterion. Anything outside the limits needs a DA and/or BA.
The ACT has no councils; the Territory Plan and Exempt Development Regulation apply territory-wide, so use the ACT planning 'check if you need a DA/BA' tools.
Decks & Pergolas rules by council in Australian Capital Territory
Local councils apply the Australian Capital Territory framework and can add their own controls. Pick your council:
Frequently asked questions
Do I need approval to build a deck in the ACT?
Not if it is exempt: an unroofed deck with its floor no more than 1 m above ground, its highest point no more than 3 m off the ground and no unsupported span over 4 m needs neither a DA nor a BA. Outside those limits you need approval.
Do I need a Building Approval for a low deck in Canberra?
A low, unroofed deck that meets every exempt-development criterion (height, span, siting and no heritage registration) is exempt from a Building Approval. Roofing it or breaching a limit removes the exemption.
Do I need approval for a pergola in the ACT?
An unroofed pergola no more than 3 m above ground (up to 4 m under a 30-degree plane), behind the building line and more than 1.5 m from side and rear boundaries, is exempt. Adding a roof generally means you need approval.
Sources
Related building rules
This is general guidance, not professional planning advice. Figures are summarised from the sources above and can change — confirm with your council or the ACT Planning before starting work. Last reviewed: July 2026.
Talk to a town planner in Australian Capital Territory
This page covers the general rules. A qualified town planner can tell you what applies to your block, including the zone, overlays and approval path, before you spend money on drawings.
- Qualified, practising town planners
- Advice specific to your property
- Free, with no obligation