Decks Patios and Balconies

The information on this page will help guide you through developing a deck, patio or balcony on your residential property. It is important to first obtain the necessary permits, to avoid incurring extra cost to fix deficiencies.

Thumbnails of deck types

What permits do I need?
TypeDevelopment Permit requiredBuilding Permit requiredTrades permits required
Uncovered patio (A) no (B)
Uncovered deck (under 0.6m from grade) (A) no (B)
Uncovered deck (0.6m from grade or higher) (A) yes (B)
Covered deck (A) yes (B)
Enclosed deck (A) yes yes
Balcony (A) yes (B)
  • (A): Depends on desired variations from the Land Use Bylaw, or geotechnical considerations with the site. To find out if your proposed deck requires a development permit, or for more information, contact Planning & Development Services.
  • (B): Depends on desired electrical, plumbing or gas options.

A Development Permit is required when:

For more information about development permits, visit:

Development Permits

A development permit must be approved before applying for building and trade permits.

A Building Permit is required when:

  • The height of the proposed deck is 0.6 meters (24") or higher from grade, or
  • The proposed deck, patio or balcony will be covered or enclosed, or
  • The proposed structure is for commercial use, such as an outdoor restaurant space.

For more information about building permits, visit:

Building Permits

Trade permits

Trade permits may be required if the proposed project involves specific considerations:

  • Electrical permit: for installing or modifying electrical systems, including moving lights or outlets.
  • Gas permit: for installing, modifying or adding to any gas system.
  • Plumbing permit: for installing or modifying plumbing systems or any plumbing equipment.
  • Mechanical permit: for installing or modifying heating, ventilation or air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

For more information about trade permits, visit:

Trade permits

Do it yourself

As a homeowner, you are able to get homeowner's permits for limited scope of work involving plumbing, electrical, gas and mechanical. To be eligible to apply for homeowner's permits:

  • You must be doing the work yourself
  • You must own and live in the home
  • You must be capable of performing the work in accordance with the Safety Codes Act
  • It must be a single family home (not a condo building or other multi-unit development.)

Depending on the homeowner's permit you are applying for, other restrictions may apply. To learn more, visit: 

Homeowner Trade Permits

How to Apply

Online

To apply online, use one of the following options. Do not apply with both:

Web form OR ePermit

Please review this user guide before applying with ePermit.

We can help you apply online. Contact us by email or phone (403) 529-8374.

Payment Methods

Online:

  • Visa or Mastercard

In-person:

  • Debit
  • Cash
  • Cheque
  • Visa or Mastercard

Mail:

  • Cheque


Fees and Charges

How long will it take to approve permits?

  • Development permits: Timelines vary based on application type and the impact to the community.
  • Building permits: Typically within 15 business days, provided that an approved Development permit (if required) has been issued. The timeline of a Building permit application will increase if amendments or resubmissions are needed from the applicant.
  • Trade permits: Typically within 5 business days, provided the associated Building permit (if required) has been issued.

Line Locates

When planning your project, it is important to know where utilities are located on your property. Locates are free of charge but require three days notice.

To obtain line locates, visit:

Line locates

Inspections

To book required inspections for construction work, visit:

Inspections

Enclosing an existing deck?

If you intend to build an enclosure over an existing deck, visit the page below:

Additions and Enclosures