Pretty soon the days will be getting longer, and before you know it, BBQ season will be in full swing! If you’ve been dreaming of the perfect outdoor spot to host friends, sip your morning coffee, or just soak up some rays, now is the absolute best time to start planning a new deck.

The best part? You might be able to completely skip the council paperwork.

Here is everything you need to know about building a new deck in time for Spring without the hassle of a building consent.

New Zealand’s building rules are surprisingly generous when it comes to low-level decks. Before we get the tools out, we just need to make sure your design ticks a few specific boxes.

Under the Building Code, your deck won’t need a building consent as long as it meets this key rule:

  • The deck must not exceed 1.5 metres in height.

💡 While you can build up to 1.5 metres without a building consent, remember that you will need to factor in the cost for a safety barrier (balustrade) which is required anywhere there is a potential fall of 1m or more.

Keep it Simple in Whanganui

In the Whanganui District Plan – local zoning rules apply to how properties are laid out, but there is great news for standard backyards:

  • A deck under 1 metre high in Whanganui’s Residential Zone is very unlikely to need a resource consent.
  • It must be a deck with no roof.
  • If you want to add a roof, pergolas, or overhead structures, it becomes a “structure,” which opens up a different set of council rules regarding boundary clearings. Keep it open to the sky, and you are good to go!

Beat the Spring Rush – Request A Quote Now!

Building consent-free means we can get started much faster, saving you time, money, and stress. If you want your deck ready for Spring, fill out the details below and we’ll give you a quote along with all the information you need! We can look at your space, confirm it meets all the consent-free criteria, and get your project locked in.

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Last Updated on June 24, 2026

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