One of our friends are looking to build a deck on their new built home. The issue is they have already used up most of their FSR ratio. Can they build one to get a occupancy certificate and then later on add a bigger deck which can suit their needs? They are checking options as they were not aware when the home was originally planned. Is the council strict about the FSR. Thanks
The deck should not impact on the FSR unless it is enclosed. The deck may have an influlenece on increasing the site cover or reducing some aspects of the landscape area. Adding a bigger one later only works if you don't tell council......but usually a neighbour will put you in or the satelite photos will reveal all if council is checking.
In some areas, a deck is a non complying development & you can build a certain size without approval.
Does council check after the completion certificate has been issued? I see a lot of people make changes with landscaping etc after the final check from the council.
Normally council will not check after they do their final checking. Mostly any trouble would be if a neighbour had issues with what you were doing (if they thought what you were doing would impact on them, eg. landscaping that potentially caused water run off into their property etc).
In NSW a deck may be a exempt complying development. This means no approval is required but it must meet standards of compliance. Setback, area and height etc Cant be covered excepting a small area as a pergola (also exempt). Size is limited to 25m2. No inspection is required but at anytime if it was non-compliant the council can order it removed. The ratio issue is a matter to raise with council town planners for specific guidance. Balconies, decks and patios | Planning Portal - Department of Planning and Environment
