A deck which has no roof or walls, with a floor height over 0.6 metres (2 feet) from finished grade, will require a permit.

If the construction of the uncovered deck includes installing a hot tub, the hot tub and uncovered deck application are treated as one application (uncovered deck permit) and are processed together at the same time. Fees quoted will cover both the uncovered deck and hot tub.

If the deck has a roof or walls, you are required to follow the regulations for a Home Addition.

When designing an uncovered deck or applying for permits, there are a number of factors that should be taken into consideration:

Setbacks and location of uncovered deck: Setbacks and location of the uncovered deck can be affected by the zoning of the property where the construction is occurring. You can look up your zoning by doing an address search using the Edmonton Maps application.

Corner lots or decks in the front yard: If the deck will be built on a corner lot or in the front yard, you will need to talk to a Development Officer about the regulations, by either calling 311 or visiting our office with a site plan.

Gas lines: Uncovered decks can not cover the gas meter or gas shut off valve.

Guardrails: The requirements for guardrails on uncovered decks depend on the height of the deck:

• On decks 0.6m to 1.8m (2 ft to 6 ft) above grade, guardrails must be at least 900mm (36 inches) tall
• On decks more than 1.8m (6 ft) above grade, guardrails must be at least 1070mm (3 ft 6 inches) tall

All guardrails must be:

• Built with a space between vertical spindles of less than 4 inches (100mm)
• Designed with no horizontal rails, fixed benches or other items that would provide a foothold
• handrail must be smooth and easily graspable

Application Procedure

To apply, fill in the Uncovered Deck Application form and the appropriate deck design form:

• Deck Design Form - under 6 feet high

Submit forms with application fees and the following information.

• Three copies of a site plan showing:
  1. size of property and existing buildings
  2. distance from buildings to property lines
  3. distance from proposed deck to property lines
  4. proposed deck size and location of steps
• Elevation view showing:
  1. height from grade to top of deck floor
  2. height of railing
  3. stair details, (if applicable)
• Scaled cross-section view showing:
  1. size and depth of deck foundation
  2. size of beam and number of piles
  3. size and spacing of joists
  4. material used for decking and
  5. guardrail detail

Example Site Plan (not to scale):

Example Elevation View (not to scale):

Processing

A development officer will review the application according to the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw. If approved, a development permit will be issued.

1. If there is a relaxation required, public notification is required. The notification period, in which your neighbours may appeal the development officer's decision, is approximately three weeks.
2. The application is then reviewed by a safety codes officer (if required) to prepare a building permit.
3. If an application is refused, an appeal can be made through the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board. Phone: 780-496-6079.

Development permit fee: $105

Building permit fee: $100

Safety code fee: $4.50

Note: There is an additional $40 fee if development permit is discretionary and notices need to be sent out.

For more information:

Current Planning Service Centre