Decks & Outdoor Platforms
Height and area are the main consent thresholds — attachment alone is not
Decks are one of the most common home improvement projects in New Zealand. Whether a deck requires building consent depends primarily on its height and floor area, and whether the work affects the existing house's weathertightness, structure, or drainage. Being attached to the house is not, by itself, the deciding factor.
General guidance only. This website provides general guidance only. It does not confirm that building work is exempt and does not replace advice from your local council, architect, architectural designer, engineer, planner, licensed building practitioner or other suitably qualified professional. Any exempt building work must still comply with the New Zealand Building Code and any other relevant legal requirements. Full disclaimer →
The Schedule 1 exemption thresholds
Under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, a deck or outdoor platform may be exempt from building consent if it meets the following criteria. Confirm whether these apply to your specific project with your local council.
- →No more than 1.5 metres above the supporting ground at any point
- →Floor area of 30m² or less
- →Single-storey construction only
- →Not part of a building that would otherwise require consent
District plan rules on setbacks, site coverage, and height-to-boundary apply regardless of whether building consent is required. Check these with your council or on their online GIS viewer.
Being attached to the house does not automatically trigger consent
A common misunderstanding is that attaching a deck to the house automatically requires building consent. This is not correct. Many attached decks fall within the Schedule 1 exemption. What matters is whether the work affects the building's weathertightness, structure, or drainage — not simply whether the deck is connected to the house.
- →A deck bolted to the house may or may not require consent depending on how the connection is made
- →If the connection penetrates or affects the building's cladding or weathertightness, that is relevant to the consent question
- →If the deck simply rests against the house without affecting its structure or weathertightness, this is less likely to be a consent trigger
- →If in doubt, a pre-application enquiry to your council is the clearest way to get an answer
When consent is more likely to be required
Building consent is more likely to be required when one or more of the following apply:
- →The deck exceeds 1.5m above ground at any point
- →The floor area exceeds 30m²
- →The work affects the house's weathertightness — for example, penetrating the cladding
- →The work affects the structural elements of the house
- →The deck covers or is near a drainage easement or public drain
- →The site has geotechnical hazards, is on a slope, or is in a flood or coastal hazard area
- →The property is heritage-listed or in a character overlay
- →The deck includes a roof, walls, or is substantially enclosed
Barriers and balustrades
Under the New Zealand Building Code (Clause F4 — Safety from Falling), any platform more than 1.0 metre above ground must have a barrier at least 1.0 metre high. The barrier must be designed so it cannot be easily climbed and so children cannot pass through. This applies whether or not consent is required.
Frequently asked questions
Can I build a deck up to the fence line?
Your district plan will specify minimum setback distances from boundaries. These rules apply even for consent-exempt decks. Check with your council or look up your property on your council's online GIS viewer.
I want to build two connected decks — do the areas add together?
If the decks are connected or form part of the same platform, council may treat them as a single structure for exemption purposes. Confirm this with your council before finalising your design.
Do I need consent if my deck is on piles?
The construction method does not change the consent rules — what matters is the height above ground and the floor area. If piling raises any part of the deck above 1.5m, consent is likely required.
Does attaching the deck to the house mean I need consent?
Not automatically. The key question is whether the work affects the building's weathertightness, structure, or drainage — not simply whether the deck is connected to the house. If you are connecting to the house in a way that doesn't affect these elements and the deck is within the Schedule 1 thresholds, it may still be exempt. A pre-application enquiry to your council will give you a clear answer for your specific project.
Check your specific project
Use the checker to get a personalised result based on your project's dimensions and location.
Run the checker →Need to contact council?
We generate a draft pre-application enquiry email after you complete the checker.
Generate enquiry email →Want professional advice on your project?
The team at 4C Architecture Studio works with NZ homeowners every day — from initial consent questions through to design and documentation.