No national rule names decks. A roofed or enclosed deck attached to the house is an extension and needs plans. For an open deck, low or raised, ask your council whether it wants plans.
A deck more than 1 m above the ground will usually need a balustrade at least 1 m high: SANS 10400-D 4.2.2 sets that for balconies, flat roofs and similar places. Decks also count against building lines in many schemes. Ask your council if yours is raised or large.
Sources
- SANS 10400-D:2011, public safety (swimming pools, balustrades)
- SANS 10400-A:2010, Regulations A1 and A2 (minor building work)
Checked October 2026. Councils change their tariffs every July, so confirm fees before you pay.