One of the most common questions we get from Coogee homeowners is: “Do I need to get council approval before building my deck?” The short answer is: it depends on the size and height. Here’s exactly what you need to know.
Randwick City Council Rules for Decks (2026)
Coogee falls under Randwick City Council. Under the NSW Exempt Development rules, you generally DON’T need a DA (Development Application) if:
- The deck is no more than 1 metre above ground level
- The total area is no more than 20 square metres
- The deck is not in a heritage conservation area
- It doesn’t encroach on any setback requirements
When You WILL Need Council Approval
- Deck height exceeds 1 metre above ground
- Your property is in a heritage conservation area (parts of Coogee are)
- The deck area exceeds 20m²
- You’re in a flood zone or sensitive environmental area
What About a CDC (Complying Development Certificate)?
For decks that don’t qualify as exempt development but meet certain standards, you may be able to get a CDC through a private certifier — which is much faster than a full DA with council.
We Handle All the Paperwork
At 5 Star Decking, we manage all council approvals and certifications as part of our service. You don’t need to deal with any of the bureaucracy — we handle it all from start to finish.
📞 Call us today and we’ll assess your Coogee property and advise on approvals at no charge.
