Approvals for Outdoor Living Work in Sydney
What to check before building a deck, pergola, covered area or other outdoor structure at a Sydney home.
Sydney Custom Builders
9 min read
Key Takeaways
- Approval needs depend on the address, structure, size, height and relationship to boundaries and other buildings.
- Exempt development rules contain conditions that must all be checked.
- Drainage, services, bushfire requirements and pool barriers may also affect the work.
A deck, pergola or covered outdoor area can look like a simple addition, but the planning answer depends on the property and the structure being proposed.
Some outdoor work may be exempt development when every relevant standard is met. Other work may need a complying development certificate or development application. Check before buying materials or settling the design.
What outdoor work are you considering?
Start by describing the structure clearly. Is it a deck, raised platform, pergola, patio, verandah, outdoor kitchen or combination of several elements?
Important details include:
- size, height and position
- distance from boundaries and other buildings
- whether it is roofed or open
- how it connects to the home
- existing trees and vegetation
- bushfire, flood or heritage conditions
- drainage and service locations
- whether it is near a swimming pool or pool barrier
Exempt development still has conditions
Exempt development does not mean that every small structure can be built without checking. The proposal must meet all relevant standards and the land must be eligible.
The NSW Planning Portal publishes current guidance for balconies, decks and patios. It also directs homeowners to the State Policy for the full requirements.
If one condition is not met, another planning path may be needed.
When professional advice is useful
Ask the relevant council, certifier or planning professional to confirm the correct path for the address and proposed work. An engineer or designer may also be needed where the structure, ground, attachment to the home or site conditions require it.
Sydney Custom Builders does not assume or choose the planning path for a customer. Share the current advice and approved documents with us when the building work is ready to discuss.
Building details beyond approval
Approval is only one part of the project. The outdoor area also needs to work in everyday conditions.
Think about sun, wind, rain, drainage, privacy, lighting, cooking, furniture, cleaning and the route between indoors and outdoors. Floor levels and doors can affect accessibility and weather protection. Materials should be compared for maintenance and exposure, not appearance alone.
What to send a builder
Useful starting information includes:
- the property address
- photos of the home, yard and access
- measurements or current plans
- the proposed drawings
- approval or planning advice already obtained
- notes about drainage, services and pool barriers
- the materials or finishes you are considering
Read more about our outdoor living building service, or request a free consultation to discuss the property and the work you have in mind.
Sydney Custom Builders
Licensed Sydney Builder
Sydney Custom Builders carries out new builds, renovations, extensions and other building work across Sydney. These guides are written to help customers ask better questions and understand what information may be needed before construction is priced.
