Do I Need a Building Permit for my Deck?
What is a deck building permit?
A building permit is a regulatory document issued by the party responsible for enforcing the Ontario Building Code in your area. Often, this party will be your local municipality, region, or township. This document acts as approval to proceed with whatever construction or project is outlined in the permit.
Building permits ensure that the standards and guidelines prescribed in Ontario’s Building Code are adhered to, and also act as a means of enforcing local zoning and land-use policies. Ensuring building standards and guidelines are adhered to minimizes any potential hazards or harm to current or future occupants or owners.
Ontario’s Building Code Act and regulations can be viewed on the Province of Ontario’s website: Building Code Act, 1992 and Building Code, Ontario. Ontario’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is the party responsible for the development of, and the amendments to the Building Code Act and the Code.
Do I Need A Building Permit For My Deck?
The requirements for building permits vary quite substantially between different regions and municipalities. As such, the only surefire way to know if your deck project requires a building permit is to contact your local permitting office. Some municipalities have very lax regulations, while others are more strict. Keep in mind that even if your project does not require a building permit, virtually all areas require you to maintain the required zoning provisions.
In general, if your deck is elevated above the ground and requires railings, and or is attached to a structure, it will require a building permit and approval by your local municipality.
For example, the Town of Ajax states the following regarding building permits and decks: “Building permits are required for decks that are greater than 600 mm (23 5/8 in.) above adjacent ground and/or structurally attached to the house or any other building with a foundation.”
It’s better to be safe than sorry. We always recommend contacting your local municipality before starting any decking project to confirm what the permitting requirements are in your area. A professional deck builder such as Align Decking will be able to work with the municipality on your behalf and assist with the permitting process.
Information Required For A Deck Building Permit
Sample page of a building plan submitted as part of the approval process for a deck permit in Pickering, Ontario.
The information you need to submit with your building permit application will vary between municipalities, but here is an example list of requirements. The sample list of requirements below reflects what the Town of Ajax requires you to submit with a building permit application for a deck.
• Completed Building Permit Application
• Completed Deck Design Matrix
• Building Permit Fee, pursuant to the current Town of Ajax Building By-law
• Two copies of the legal survey or site plan indicating all buildings and proposed construction on the property, their proximity by dimension to the property lines, and lot coverage.
• Two copies of detailed construction drawings indicating all of the structural components of the proposed construction: piers, posts, beams, joists, attachments, and guards.
• If the proposed structure will be adjacent to a septic system then approval for its location shall be obtained from the Durham Regional Health Department.
The list of requirements may be slightly different in your area, but you should expect them to resemble this example list.
Looking for more deck building permit help?
Many homeowners find the municipal permitting process to be a daunting one, and we totally understand! One of the greatest benefits of hiring a professional deck builder such as Align Decking is that we can take care of the permitting and approval process for you. We have experience working with various municipalities throughout the province and have secured building permits and approvals for countless decking projects.
Claim your Free Copy of Our Expanded Deck Building Permit Guide for Ontario
Provides detailed answers to the top 7 questions Ontario homeowners have about deck building permits, in more detail than we could fit here.
Detailed permit requirements for many cities and municipalities.
Valuable resources for determining if your property lies within a protected area…You don’t want to find out the hard way (trust us, we’ve been there).
Ready to speak to someone about your next deck project? Let us take care of the building permits and approvals. Reach out to our friendly team today!
Align Decking has been building decks and securing building permits in Ontario for over 15 years. We have obtained permits for simple decks, to the most complex. Does your property lie in a watershed management zone? No problem. We are experienced in dealing with the conservation authorities and securing the necessary regulatory approvals.