Decks & Pergolas rules in Western Australia (2026)
Planning (development) approval is generally not needed for a house deck 500 mm or less above natural ground, or higher if it meets setback and privacy rules. A building permit, however, is required for most decks: councils commonly require one once a deck is over 500 mm high, over 20 m², or within 900 mm of a boundary.
Planning often not needed for low decks; a building permit usually is
Planning (development) approval is generally not needed for a house deck 500 mm or less above natural ground, or higher if it meets setback and privacy rules. A building permit, however, is required for most decks: councils commonly require one once a deck is over 500 mm high, over 20 m², or within 900 mm of a boundary.
Key rules at a glance
| Planning approval | Not needed if the deck is 500 mm or less above natural ground on a single house, or complies with setback/privacy rules if higher |
| Building permit - deck | Generally required; commonly triggered once over 500 mm high, over 20 m², or within 900 mm of a boundary |
| Patio exempt (building permit) | Freestanding, 10 m² or less, 2.4 m or less high, not in wind region C/D, 900 mm from the house, 500 mm from boundary |
| Pergola exempt | Roofless, 20 m² or less, 3 m or less high, set back at least 1 m from boundaries |
| R-Codes setback | Commonly around 1 m from side and rear boundaries (varies with R-code) |
| Privacy screens | Needed if a raised deck is within 7.5 m of a side or rear boundary |
Conditions & eligibility
- Low decks (500 mm or less) on a single house usually avoid planning approval
- A raised deck (over 500 mm) generally needs an engineer's structural certification
- Bushfire-prone areas remove several building-permit exemptions
- A pergola must not provide full weather protection or it counts as a roofed patio
- Work must comply with the National Construction Code even when no permit is required
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 Western Australia
Two approvals. Planning approval under the R-Codes and local scheme is not needed for a low, compliant deck on a single house. A building permit under the Building Act 2011 is required for most decks; small freestanding patios and pergolas can be exempt under Schedule 4 of the Building Regulations 2012.
Deck thresholds vary between WA local governments, so confirm building-permit and R-Code requirements with your council.
Decks & Pergolas rules by council in Western Australia
Local councils apply the Western Australia framework and can add their own controls. Pick your council:
Frequently asked questions
Do I need approval to build a deck in WA?
A house deck 500 mm or less above natural ground usually needs no planning approval. A building permit is still required for most decks, and councils commonly require one once a deck is over 500 mm high, over 20 m², or within 900 mm of a boundary.
Do I need a building permit for a low deck in Western Australia?
Many councils treat a low deck (500 mm or less above the ground) as exempt from a building permit, but this varies by local government. A raised deck over 500 mm generally needs a permit and an engineer's structural certification.
Do I need a permit for a patio or pergola in WA?
A freestanding patio up to 10 m² and 2.4 m high (outside wind region C/D, set back from the house and boundary) can be exempt from a building permit, as can a roofless pergola up to 20 m² and 3 m high set back 1 m from boundaries.
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 WA Building and Energy before starting work. Last reviewed: July 2026.
Get free quotes in Western Australia
Tell us what you're building. We'll connect you with licensed local builders and designers who know the council requirements — no obligation, no cost.
- Licensed, local trades
- Compare quotes before you commit
- No cost, no obligation