The Building Code of Australia (BCA) advises that a handrail is required where there is the possibility of falling over one metre or more from a floor or building. In other words, a deck less than one metre (1m) above ground is not required to have a handrail, though depending on the height it may still be recommended.
What size deck can I build without a permit in Victoria?
Types of Decking Permits
In Victoria, you’ll need a permit if you’re replacing an old deck or installing a new one. According to the NSW Building Code, you don’t need permission if the deck isn’t larger than 25 square metres.
At what height do you need a railing around a deck?
36 inches
According to the IRC, deck guardrails must be installed on any deck higher than 30 inches above grade. The deck guardrail height should be a minimum of 36 inches, as measured from the surface of the deck to the top of the rail.
Do I need a handrail for 3 steps Australia?
How many stairs before a handrail is required? A handrail is required for staircases, platforms or landings above 1 metre from the ground. This will be 4 risers and 3 treads of a compliant staircase. A handrail is also required for ramps more than 2m.
How high can a deck be without a railing in BC?
Railings, or guards, aren’t required on any deck less than 24 inches (60 cm) above grade. For decks that are between 24 inches and 5 feet 10 inches (180 cm), you need to install a 36 inch (90 cm) high railing. And for decks above 5’10”, you need a 42 inch (107 cm) high railing.
How high can a deck be without planning permission?
If you are proposing to create decking more than 30cm above ground level, you will require Planning permission. In addition, if you intend to cover more than 50% of the total garden area with decking, you will require Planning Permission. This is true even if the decking will be well below 30cm from ground level.
Do I need a permit to build a floating deck in Victoria?
A floating deck usually doesn’t need building permits because it does not attach to the house or property. You may still want to run the project by your neighbourhood council and check the local laws, but floating decks typically require far less paperwork for Australian homeowners and DIY builders.
How low does a deck have to be to not have a railing?
30 inches
If your deck is below 30 inches, a railing is not required. With that said, if you choose to build a deck, even if it is only 24 inches off the ground, that is still high enough that even an adult could injure themselves. When you take your kids and pets into account, the risk is even higher.
What is the maximum height of a deck without railing Australia?
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) advises that a handrail is required where there is the possibility of falling over one metre or more from a floor or building. In other words, a deck less than one metre (1m) above ground is not required to have a handrail, though depending on the height it may still be recommended.
How many steps can you have on a deck without railing?
Any stairway that has four or more risers (the vertical part of the step) must have a railing, according to most building codes.
How high can a platform be without handrails?
29 CFR 1926.500(d)(1) requires every opensided floor or platform 6 feet or more above the adjacent floor or ground level to be guarded by a standard railing or the equivalent on all open sides, except where there is an entrance to a ramp, stairway, or fixed ladder.
What is the legal step height in Australia?
The Australian Standard contains detailed advice on steps, stairs, landings, guard rails and so on: Rises and goings: All rises (R) and all goings (G), in the same flight of stairs, shall be of uniform dimensions within a tolerance of +/-5mm. For each rise: minimum 130mm, maximum 225mm.
Can I have open stairs without a railing?
Guards are required on the open side of stairs and on landings and balconies which are more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below. The guard must be at least 30 inches above the floor of the landing or balcony.
How tall is a porch without railing?
30-inch
He’d made a point of building his deck so as to stay under the 30-inch requirement–which is the maximum deck height you can have without a railing.
What is the minimum clearance under a deck?
400 mm
Installing a deck close to the ground may radically shorten its lifespan if it comes into continual contact with moisture. According to the Australian Standards all decks should be a minimum of 400 mm from the underside of the lowest timber to the ground.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in BC?
When you’re building a new deck you almost always need a permit unless the deck is unattached and less than 100 square feet. A permit is usually required in BC if: You probably don’t need a permit if: Your new deck will be more than 2 feet off the ground.
How high can I raise my decking?
Putting up decking, or other raised platforms, in your garden is permitted development, not needing an application for planning permission, providing: The decking is no more than 30cm above the ground.
Do I need a handrail on decking?
‘At ground level, decking does not need railings,’ says Zoe Goff, Decking Expert at Richard Burbidge. ‘However, when decking is over 600mm from the ground it does need balustrade and there are many systems available.
Can you build a deck and not attach it to the house?
A freestanding deck, simply put, is a deck that isn’t attached to another structure. It can be built right next to a house, almost like it’s attached to it, but it will still be self-supporting.
Can I build my own deck Victoria?
If you want to replace or build a new balcony or deck, you must ensure it is designed and constructed legally. That usually means: applying for a building permit. having the balcony appropriately designed and documented.
Can I build a deck directly on the ground?
Yes, you can build a deck directly on the ground. There are many reasons to want a very low deck, including that at certain heights the deck may not require stairs or guardrails.