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Decks and porches

When is a building permit required?

  • Decks where any portion of the walking surface (floor) is 24 inches (0.6 metres) or higher above finished grade at any point
  • If structural changes are proposed to an existing deck or porch that is 24 inches (0.6 metres) or higher above finished grade
  • Replacing guards (railings) on an existing deck or porch
  • Concrete porches

Zoning regulations

Zoning regulations apply whether a permit is required or not. The zoning by-law regulates the use of land, including the distance required to property lines. Refer to your property survey for the location of property lines.

Due to the complexity of the Zoning regulations, we recommend you contact Zoning Services at [email protected], or at 519-837-5615 extension 4271, to confirm zoning requirements before applying for a building permit.

Submission requirements

Submit the following list of documents with your application. Please ensure all your documents, including drawings and forms, are ready in PDF format before starting your online application.

  • Survey or site plan of the property showing the following details:
    • Width and depth of the lot;
    • Location of the proposed deck or porch;
    • Size of the deck or porch;
    • Distance to property lines (distance from deck/porch to property lines); and,
    • All existing buildings or structures on the property.

If you require a copy of your property survey, please visit the Building Services Records Request webpage for more information.

Wood deck or balcony

  • Plan view illustrating the following:
    • Overall dimensions of the deck;
    • Size and location of posts;
    • Size, location and span of beams;
    • Size and spacing of floor joists and direction the joists are spanning;
    • Location and width of stairs (if applicable); and,
    • Composite decking brand name and documentation (if applicable).
  • Elevation/section drawing illustrating the following:
    • Height of deck (at highest point);
    • Type, depth and size of footings/foundation/piers; and,
    • Type of guard/railing system. For non-wood guards, include manufacturer’s name and engineering documentation.

See examples of plans, beam and post connections, and guard system details below:

Concrete porch

  • Plan view illustrating the following:
    • Overall dimensions of the porch; and,
    • Location and width of stairs (if applicable).
  • Elevation/section drawing illustrating the following:
    • Height of porch (at highest point);
    • Type, depth and size of footings/foundation/piers;
    • Thickness and reinforcing of concrete slab; and,
    • Type of guard/railing system. For non-wood guards, include manufacturer’s name and engineering documentation.

Roof structure on deck or porch

  • If proposing a covered deck or porch, provide the following additional details:
    • Roof framing plan;
    • Roof slope, sheathing (e.g., ½ inch plywood) and roofing material; and,
    • Schedule 1 form – This will be filled out by your BCIN designer, or alternatively you can take responsibility for the drawings being the owner of the property without meeting the qualification requirements. If you are taking responsibility as the owner of the property, complete sections A, B, C (description of work) and D, with your basis for exemption from qualification and registration requirements being that you are the “owner”.

Call before you dig. Contact Ontario One Call to request the location of underground utilities that may be on your property to avoid potential damages.

Additional information

Please visit the residential permits and inspections webpage for additional information on planning your project, how to submit your permit application, permit fees and mandatory inspections.