It is one of the first questions people ask when planning a deck in a typical Gold Coast backyard: how close to the fence can it go? The honest answer depends on the height of the deck, whether it has a roof and the size of your block. Here is how it usually works in Queensland.
In Queensland, decks and other structures generally need to sit 1.5 metres from side and rear boundaries under the Queensland Development Code. Low, unroofed decks close to the ground are often treated more leniently, while raised or roofed decks near the fence usually need a building certifier and sometimes a siting approval from council.
What sets the distance
- Height. A deck that sits close to the ground is treated very differently from one a metre or more up, which can look into the neighbour's yard.
- Roof. Adding a roof or pergola over the deck makes it a larger structure, and boundary rules apply more strictly.
- Lot size and estate rules. Small lots, newer estates and some precincts have their own setbacks or covenants.
- Easements and sewer lines. Many Gold Coast blocks have a sewer or stormwater line near the rear fence that you cannot build over without approval.
When you need a certifier
If the deck is raised, roofed, attached to the house or close to the boundary, it is usually building work that needs approval from a private certifier. Where it does not meet the standard setback, the certifier may need council's agreement to a siting variation first. Our guide to council approval for decks in Queensland covers this in more detail.
Look at your property's plan and any easement before you settle on a layout. Moving a deck 300 mm off the fence at the design stage is far cheaper than redesigning it after a certifier says no.
What we do on a quote
When we measure up, we check the deck height, boundary distance and any easements, and tell you whether approval is likely before you commit. If it is, we arrange the certifier. See our deck builders Gold Coast page for the full service, or what a deck costs for pricing.
Planning a deck near the fence? We will check the setbacks on site and give you a fixed-price quote.
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