If you plan to add decking to your property, find out when planning and building approvals are required, how to lodge your application, and what requirements you must meet.
Definitions
- Decking: A flat surface or platform capable of supporting weight, similar to a floor, but typically constructed outdoors. Decking is often elevated from the ground and usually connected to a building.
- Development (Planning) Approval: Approval required for certain developments to ensure compliance with zoning and planning requirements. It is required before a Building Permit can be issued if your deck does not meet all Deemed-to-Comply criteria of the R-Codes.
Building Permit: Permission to commence building work that meets required building standards.
R-Codes: State planning standards that guide the design and development of residential properties. Proposals that comply with the R-Codes may not require Development Approval in some circumstances.
Note: If the decking has already been constructed without prior approvals, see the Unauthorised works page for guidance on how to apply retrospectively.
Building Permit Uncertified application construction requirements
Decking should have a setback of at least 900 mm from a boundary line.
Alternatively, a deck may be built up to a boundary if a 900 mm setback is achieved between the deck and the dwelling.
All decks to be engineered by a structural engineer.
How to apply to install decking
The requirement for Development Approval for decking varies depending on the zoning of the property and compliance with the relevant planning provisions. The table below outlines when Development Approval is required and the requirements that must be met for each zone.
| Zone | Development Approval Required | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Residential and Mixed Use (Residential Dwellings) | No, provided all requirements are met. |
|
| Residential Mixed Use (Non Residential Development) | No, provided all requirements are met. |
|
| Commercial Service Commercial Private Community Purposes General Industry Light Industry | No, provided all requirements are met. |
|
Note: Where a proposal does not satisfy any of the exemptions above, development approval is required in all other circumstances.
You can check your property’s zoning, R-Code and whether a Local Development Plan applies using the City’s Online Mapping System.
Checklist
This checklist is applicable to all additions to residential development including but not limited to patios, outbuildings (sheds), carports, retaining walls, house extensions. All development applications must be accompanied by a completed and signed checklist PDF (see step 3). Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returned to the applicant with a list of outstanding items.
| Checklist information | When it is required |
|---|---|
| City of Wanneroo Application for Development Approval | Always |
| Metropolitan Region Scheme Form 1 | Required for approvals only under the MRS and not the Local Planning Scheme. |
| Payment of relevant fees (refer to Planning Fee Schedule) | Always |
| Current copy of the property's Certificate of Title (no more than six (6) months old) | Always |
| Site feature survey | Only required where there is a proposed change in ground levels |
| Site plan drawn to scale | Always |
| Floor plan drawn to scale | Always (not required for retaining walls) |
| Full set of elevation plans drawn to scale | Always |
| Statement identifying all design elements which do not satisfy the deemed-to-comply standard of the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) and the City's planning framework, including written justification outlining how the proposal meets the design principles and objectives of the R-Codes and the City's planning framework | Where development is located in a zone where R-Codes apply |
| BAL Assessment (or BAL Contour Map) | If property is within a bushfire prone area (unless less than 1100m² in size) |
Information to include on your plans
The essential details include:
Site feature survey
To a scale (not less than 1:200) including street verge showing existing:
- Contours at 0.5m intervals extending past property boundaries;
- Relevant spot levels; location and finished floor levels of adjoining buildings;
- All structures, including buildings and retaining walls;
- Trees on the site in addition to street trees and other fixtures (bus stops, power poles, traffic islands etc); and
- Location of adjoining buildings.
Proposed full site plan to a scale
To a scale not less than 1:200 showing:
- Site dimensions, scale bar, north point, lot boundaries and existing contours and levels;
- Proposed buildings and existing buildings to be retained on the site;
- Setback distances of buildings from the boundaries of the site;
- Position and finished levels of all proposed buildings, walls, fences, retaining walls and other structures;
- Location and dimensions of driveways, crossovers, pedestrian accessways and parking spaces;
- Structures and trees to be demolished or removed;
- Areas to be landscaped;
- Proposed finished ground levels over the site;
- Location, height (relative to natural ground level) and length of all existing and proposed retaining walls.
Floor plans
To a scale of not less than 1:100 of the internal layout of each floor / building showing:
- Use / purpose of all areas / rooms;
- Location of external doors and windows;
- The line of any upper floors clearly indicated over the lower floor plan; and
- The finished floor levels of each floor of the building.
Elevations
To a scale of 1:100 of all buildings showing:
- Existing natural ground levels, wall heights and roof heights relating to the established datum (AHD);
- Proposed finished floor levels and ground levels;
- Location of openings and if openings are clear glass or obscure glass;
- The external appearance of the building; and
- The external appearance and height of any proposed fencing forward of the building line.
Stormwater drainage plan
Showing:
- Size, location and capacity of soakwells, or other measures for on-site stormwater retention; and
- Provision of grated trafficable lids for soakwells located within vehicular accessways or driveways.
Colours and materials schedule
Showing:
- Schedule of all external finishes and materials of the development including roof, walls, windows, fencing, and driveway materials and colours.
Other
Written justification for variations to the acceptable development provisions of the R-Codes or Council Policies, if applicable (optional).
For detailed information, including the application process, timeframe and fees, refer to the Development (Planning) Approval page.
Documents to prepare and submit
All development applications must be accompanied by a completed checklist. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returned to the applicant with a list of outstanding items.
Download, complete and sign the Development (planning) Application Checklist – Residential Additions (see below).
How to submit your application
To apply, choose your preferred method below and remember to submit your supporting documents along with the application form:
- Option 1 – Apply online (preferred): Apply through the online lodgement portal.
- Option 2 – In person: Download and complete the Application Form PDF (see below), then submit it with all supporting documentation including the checklist at the City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm.
- Option 3 – By post: Download and complete the Application Form PDF (see below), then mail it with all supporting documentation including the checklist to City of Wanneroo, Locked Bag 1, Wanneroo WA 6946.
Fees
Planning assessment timeframes
The City of Wanneroo assesses planning (development) applications, within the following timeframes:
- Up to 60 days for most applications;
- Up to 90 days if consultation with the public (neighbours) or other public authority is required.
In many cases, straightforward applications that meet all planning requirements are approved sooner than these timeframes. The assessment timeframe begins after:
- You have submitted a complete application; and
- The City formally accepts it for assessment.
Planning approval (if required) must be issued before you can apply for a building permit.
Development (Planning) Application Checklist – Residential Additions (PDF) Development (Planning) Approval Application Form (PDF)
A Building Permit is required for any decking that complements the use of a building. For example, decking that supports or extends an outdoor living area.
A Building Permit is not required for decking that is not incidental to a building (for example, freestanding decking located in public open space or a reserve).
You have two ways to apply:
Option 1 – Certified application (BA1 form)
Includes a Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3) prepared by a registered private building surveyor.
You will need to complete and submit the following:
- Application for building permit - certified (BA1) form.
- Payment of relevant fees (refer to building fees schedule).
- Development approval (if required).
- Street and verge bond permit application.
Option 2 – Uncertified application (BA2 form)
We assess and certify your application as part of our process. You do not need to arrange a private surveyor.
You will need to complete and submit the following:
- Application for Building Permit – Uncertified (BA2) form.
- Payment of relevant fees (refer to building fees schedule).
- Site plan drawn to a minimum scale of 1:200, showing the location of the proposed decking, setbacks from lot boundaries and other structures, site levels.
- Building plans and elevation including floor plans, elevations and sections.
- Construction details and specifications demonstrating compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).
- Structural engineering details and certifications.
- Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment and construction requirements (if applicable).
- Any other reports or certifications required to demonstrate NCC compliance.
- Street and verge bond permit application.
- Development approval (if required).
Documents to prepare
For detailed information, including the application process, timeframe and fees, refer to Building Permit page.
How to submit your application
You can submit your Building Permit application:
- Option 1 – Apply online (preferred): Apply through the online lodgement portal.
- Option 2 – In person: With all supporting documentation at the City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm.
- Option 3 – By mail: With all supporting documentation to City of Wanneroo, Locked Bag 1, Wanneroo WA 6946.
Note: All owners of the land must be listed on the application.
Fees
Timeframes
- Certified applications: within 10 business days
- Uncertified applications: within 25 business days
If further information is required, you will be contacted. The requested information must be provided within 21 days or within an agreed timeframe.
