Auckland project guide
Do I need building consent for my deck?
Many decks don’t need building consent, but some do. The main factor is height: how far someone could fall from the highest point of the deck to the ground below. Your property can add other rules, including boundary setbacks, site coverage and overlays.
When a deck usually doesn’t need consent
Under Schedule 1 of the Building Act, a deck or platform can be exempt from building consent when no part of it is more than 1.5 metres above the ground below. The work must still meet the Building Code.
When a deck is likely to need consent
- Any part of the deck is more than 1.5 m above the ground
- The deck is attached to the house in a way that affects the structure or weathertightness
- It forms part of a larger project that needs consent anyway
Barriers and balustrades
Even when your deck is exempt, the Building Code requires a barrier where someone could fall 1 metre or more. Plan for it from the start, because it affects the design and the budget.
Rules that come from your property, not the deck
Building consent is only one part of the picture. Under the Auckland Unitary Plan, a raised deck can count towards height-in-relation-to-boundary, yard setbacks or site coverage. Special character and heritage overlays can bring extra rules. A deck built over a public stormwater or wastewater pipe may need approval as well.
What a property check shows you
- Your zone under the Auckland Unitary Plan, and the proposed plan change summary for your property
- Flood and overland flow information near your planned deck
- Landslide and liquefaction information mapped by the council
- The details to confirm with your builder, designer or council
The check does not show underground pipes, or heritage and character overlays. Auckland Council GeoMaps or your LIM can show these.
Common questions
Do I need resource consent for a deck?
Sometimes. A deck that is exempt from building consent can still breach a zone rule, such as a yard setback or height-in-relation-to-boundary. Check your zone before you design.
Can I build my own deck?
You can build an exempt deck yourself, but it must still meet the Building Code. Many homeowners use a licensed builder for anything raised or attached to the house.
What if my deck was built without consent?
Unconsented work can come up when you sell or insure your home. A council records review can show what the council has on file for your property.