| Type | Development Permit required | Building Permit required | Trades 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:
- The proposed deck, patio or balcony will extend into regulated Land Use Bylaw setbacks, or
- There are geotechnical considerations with the site, such as slope setback, or
- The proposed deck or patio is for commercial use and is on private property, such as an outdoor restaurant space.
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
