Do I Need Approval for a Deck on the Sunshine Coast?

Deck Approval & Compliance Sunshine Coast | What Homeowners Need to Know

Understanding Deck Approval Rules in Queensland

Before you start planning your dream deck, it’s worth understanding how the rules work here on the Sunshine Coast.

Most decks in Queensland need some form of approval. It comes from Sunshine Coast Council or via a private certifier. The rules can feel overwhelming, but this guide will walk you through when approval is required, what the common triggers are, and how the process works.

Why Approvals Matter

The deck you want to build might seem straightforward, however, getting approval is more than just bureaucracy. It’s there to protect you as the homeowner. That way, you can be reassured (and any future owner) that your deck is built to standard, covered by insurance, and won’t cause issues if you ever sell your property.

Here are the three biggest reasons approvals exist, and why they’re worth your attention:

Whether it’s minor touch-ups or a complete overhaul, we’ll give you an honest appraisal and clear next steps.

The Sunshine Coast Homeowner’s Guide to Deck Approvals

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Common Approval Triggers in QLD

Below are the most common situations where approval is required. If your deck project fits one or more of these, you’ll need to go through the process:

Height: Decks above 1 metre usually need approval.
Size: Decks over 10 m² often require approval.
Roofed decks/patios: Always require approval.
Location: Close to boundaries, pools, or steep slopes trigger checks.
Balustrades & handrails: Must meet QBCC height/load standards.

Note: Thresholds vary by council. Sunshine Coast Council follows state building regs but always check your specific site.

Sunshine Coast Council & Private Certifiers

You don’t have to go through Council. You can engage a private certifier to get the job done… and luckily that can save you time.

Here’s a quick comparison of your options:

Pool Deck Specifics

Because pools are considered higher-risk areas, the rules are stricter. If you’re planning a deck near a pool, keep these requirements in mind:

Sunshine Coast Council & Private Certifiers

You don’t have to go through Council. You can engage a private certifier to get the job done… and luckily that can save you time.

Here’s a quick comparison of your options:

The Approval Process (Step by Step)

To give you an idea of what’s involved, here’s the typical approval process most homeowners follow:

Design phase: where you engage a builder/designer.
Plans: Where your engineer does drawings.
Application: Lodge with Council or certifier.
Assessment: Structural safety, zoning.
Approval: Usually 2–6 weeks.
Construction & inspection.
Final certificate.

What If My Deck Doesn’t Comply?

If you build a deck without approval you may face some real problems down the track. If your structure doesn’t meet the rules, you may face extra costs or even be forced to make changes. In practice, that usually means:

The good news? With the right advice upfront (from Sunshine Coast Decking!), these problems are completely avoidable.

How Sunshine Coast Deck Builders Can Help You

We’re Sunshine Coast Decking, and we build high-quality decks, pergolas, and patios. Here’s what we take care of for you so your garden can be the stress-free haven you dream of:

FAQs

Do all decks need council approval?

Not all decks require approval. In general, low-level decks under 1 metre high and less than 10m² in size may be exempt from full building approval. However, rules vary depending on the site and the local council, so it’s always safest to check with Sunshine Coast Council or a licensed private certifier before starting any work. Just to be on the safe side!

Can I build my deck without approval if it’s under 10m²?

Sometimes yes, but not always. If your deck is under 10m², under 1 metre high, and meets setback requirements, you may not need building approval. But if it’s roofed, close to a boundary, or near a pool area, approval is usually required regardless of size. A quick conversation with a certifier can confirm this for your property.

How long does approval take on the Sunshine Coast?

The approval process usually takes 2–6 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design, council workload, and whether you go through Sunshine Coast Council or a private certifier. Simple decks may be approved faster, while elevated or roofed decks can take longer due to engineering checks.

What happens if I build without approval?

Building without approval can lead to:

Fines from Council.
Insurance claims being denied if damage occurs.
Problems when selling your home, as buyers and solicitors often request proof of compliance.
In some cases, you may need to apply for retrospective approval or even modify/demolish the deck.

The safest option is to confirm requirements before building.

Do I need approval for replacing or repairing my existing deck?

If you’re doing a like-for-like replacement using the same footprint and height, you may not need new approval. However, you will need approval if you’re:

changing the structure
extending the size
raising the height
adding a roof, or
altering the subframe

When in doubt, it’s always best to ask a certifier. It’s quicker and cheaper to check first than to fix compliance problems later.

Ready to get started?

We’ll handle design, approvals, and construction — so you don’t get stuck in council red tape.