Deck (Uncovered)

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An uncovered deck is an open, elevated platform or a deck with no roof or walls.

Before You Apply

Do I need a permit?

Deck Permit Considerations

Most decks require a development permit and a building permit. A Home Improvement Permit is a combination of these permits.

However, a development permit is not required when a deck meets all of the following:

Is entirely located within a back or interior side yard
Is not located within the flanking side yard of a corner lot
Is 1.2 metres (3 feet 11 inches) or less above the ground at every point
Does not have a roof or walls
Is not located within the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System Protection Overlay

A building permit is not required when a deck meets all of the following:

Is 0.6 metres (23 ⅝ inches) or less above the ground at every point
Serves only a single residential unit
Does not have a roof or walls
Does not support heavy loads (for example, gazebo or masonry items)

Are you building a covered deck or pergola attached to the house? A covered deck or pergola attached to the house is considered a home addition. Please see Home Additions for application requirements.

Are you building a freestanding structure on your deck, such as a pergola or trellis? Detached Accessory structures such as gazebos, trellis and pergolas are required to be included in your Home Improvement Permit. Please see Detached Garage and Shed for more information.

Unsure Which Permits You Need?

Use the residential permit guide to help determine which permits you need and an estimate of fees before you apply.

Access The Guide

Who can apply?

Homeowners may apply for deck permits or have a contractor apply for the permit on their behalf. All permits required can be applied for at the same time, but separate inspections will be required for the work associated with each permit.

Fees & Processing Times

Permit Fees

2024 fees effective January 1, 2024:

Uncovered Deck Permit Fees

Development Permit Fee	$140
Building Permit Fee	$115
Safety Codes Permit Fee	$4.60
Total Permit Fee	$259.60

Review the 2024 Residential Permits and Fees (effective January 1, 2024) for associated permit fees.

There are several ways to make a payment.

Application Processing Times

Application processing times can be found on the development and construction application processing times web page in the home improvement permits section. You can also visit the building permit queue time web page for general building permit processing wait times or check the status of your specific application by visiting the project dashboard in selfserve.edmonton.ca.

Tips & Professional Support

Consider hiring a contractor or other professional support to help with the design and construction of your project as required.

Review the Deck Design Guide for more information
Be mindful of construction safety considerations, such as being aware of and not damaging gas or other utility line locations
CLICK-Before-You-Dig or DIAL-Before-You-Dig: 1-800-242-3447 for no-cost utility marking
Ensure that your application is complete and meets all requirements outlined in step 1 below to avoid application processing delays
Do not start construction until you receive your approved permits

Why you need a development permit
Development permits ensure your projects are allowed and fit in with the surrounding neighbourhood as per the Zoning Bylaw.

Why you need a building permit
Building and trade permits ensure that what is built is safe and that design and construction are done following the Alberta Safety Codes Act.

Why permits are important
Permits are an important part of guiding development and achieving the safe, inclusive, vibrant and walkable city envisioned by The City Plan.

Permits allow you to begin construction. Starting work without written permission can result in stop-work orders, fines or administrative penalties.

Step 1: Plan Your Project and Prepare Documents

There are different application requirements based on the location and complexity of your deck design. Follow the steps to submit a correct site plan and minimize application processing times.

Understand Your Location Restrictions

Back Yard

1. Find the zone and overlay that apply to your property

Enter your property’s address at maps.edmonton.ca
In the related records tab, find the current zone and any overlays
Note your current zone (RS, RSF, or other relevant zones)
Note any overlays

2. Review Back Yard Deck Restrictions to understand your property's restrictions

If your zone is not listed or your property is a Zero Lot Line, Reverse Housing or Reduced Side Setback Development, you can:

Submit an application with your proposed project. Anticipate additional time (2 or more weeks) for your complex applications to be processed.
Contact Us to understand the restrictions specific to your property.

Front Yard

1. Find the zone and overlay that apply to your property

Enter your property’s address at maps.edmonton.ca
In the related records tab, find the current zone and any overlays
Note your current zone (RS, RSF, or other relevant zones)
Note any overlays

2. Review Front Yard Deck Restrictions to understand your property's restrictions

If your zone is not listed, or your property is a Zero Lot Line, Reverse Housing or Reduced Side Setback Development, you can:

Submit an application with your proposed project. Anticipate additional time (2 or more weeks) for your complex applications to be processed.
Contact Us to understand the restrictions specific to your property.

Corner Lot

The Zoning Bylaw provides the definition for corner lots.

The setback requirements for corner lot sites vary depending on the zones, applicable overlays, and existing lot conditions (such as lot shape and corner cuts). Enter your property’s address at maps.edmonton.ca and Contact Us to understand the restrictions specific to your property.

If your property is located on a corner lot you can:

Submit an application with your proposed project. Anticipate additional time (2 or more weeks) for your complex application to be processed.

Ground Restrictions

Check the following ground restrictions for planning your deck location:

Identify utility lines. CLICK-Before-You-Dig or DIAL-Before-You-Dig: 1-(800)-242-3447 for no-cost utility marking
Do not obstruct gas meters, bedroom windows, HVAC vents for dryer, furnace, heat recovery ventilation (HRV). Contact ATCO (780-424-5222) with questions about gas services and meters
Identify restrictive covenants, utility right-of-ways, or easements. Check your construction plot plan, real property report, and mortgage papers. Talk to your home builder or request a Search of Records
Identify overhead utility lines. Maintain a minimum of 3.5 metres (11.5 feet) clearance to electrical wires above the deck's walking surface. Contact EPCOR (780-310-4300) with questions concerning clearance from power lines and power pedestals

Simple Uncovered Decks

Simple uncovered decks are typically considered single-tier decks that are of square or rectangular shape. These decks are located in the rear yards of properties that are located within standard zones that do not have special restrictions such as restrictive covenants or a top-of-bank.

Where they meet all zoning and building code requirements, they do not require any application documents. They can be reviewed faster or issued immediately upon online submission of a complete application and fees.

Prepare Your Documents

Site Plan

A site plan is required for development permit review. The document must show the entire existing property and include:

A north arrow
Property address
Corresponding streets and avenues
Dimensions of property lines
Location, dimensions, and setbacks of the proposed deck and other existing buildings and structures
Identify applicable caveats, covenants, easements

A site plan is preferably drawn on a real property report, plot plan, or graph paper.

Sample Deck Site Plan

Deck Design Form

Complete the Deck Design Form for typical single-level decks and submit it with your home improvement permit paper application form.

Complex Uncovered Decks

Complex uncovered decks are typically higher than 1.8 metres (71 inches), irregularly shaped, or have more than one level. These decks may be located in the front or side yard and are located in non-standard zones such as Direct Control. The property may have a restrictive covenant, be located adjacent to the river or ravine (top-of-bank,) or be designated a historical resource.

Complex decks take longer to review and require application documents, such as a site plan, deck design, or engineered stamped drawings.

Prepare Your Documents

Site Plan

A site plan is required for development permit review. The document must show the entire existing property and include:

A north arrow
Property address
Corresponding streets and avenues
Dimensions of property lines
Location, dimensions, and setbacks of the proposed deck and other existing buildings and structures
Identify applicable caveats, covenants, easements

A site plan is preferably drawn on a real property report, plot plan, or graph paper.

Sample Deck Site Plan

Deck Design Drawing

Based on the design of your deck, design drawings or engineer-stamped drawings may be required to ensure your proposed deck complies with the building code. Review the Deck Design Guide for further design requirements.

Design Drawings must include:

Plan view
Section view (multi-level decks, irregular shape)
Elevation view (multi-level decks, irregular shape)

Design Drawings Requirements:

Minimum scale: 1/8"=1'-0" or 1:100; Preferred scale: 3/16"=1'-0" or 1:75
Metric or imperial units are accepted. Please use units consistently

Sample Deck Design Drawing

Step 2: Apply

Submit an application for the building, development and/or trade permits associated with the project once all plans and supporting documents needed are prepared (see Step 1). Submitting an incomplete application can result in delays.

For Homeowners

Use the online self-serve wizard to submit an application.

Apply Online

For Contractors and Professionals

Submit an application for your client under your business account.

Drop off or Mail-In

Drop off or mail in your application to the Edmonton Service Centre. Applicants need to include:

Home Improvement Permit Application Form
1 copy of all required documents for your project

Step 3: After You Apply

City staff will review your application to ensure your project complies with the Zoning Bylaw and the Alberta Safety Codes Act.

Making Changes Before Permit is Issued

Applicants can make changes while the application is in progress. Consult with the City employee assigned to your file.

Please note: changes may be subject to additional fees.

Manage Application

Making Changes After Permit is Issued

Permit holders can request changes after the permit has been issued by visiting the project dashboard.

Please note: additional charges may apply for revisions.

Manage Application

Please Note: additional charges may apply for revisions.

Permit Revisions Managed Online

Cancelling a Permit or Application

Complete and submit the cancellation and refund form if you no longer plan to continue with the work.

Cancellation/Refund Request Form

Replying to a More Information Request

City staff may also reach out to you to request additional information at various stages of the permit application review process.

More Information Requested (MIR) Guide

Step 4: Inspections

Inspections are done to verify that the work meets the acceptable minimum safety code requirements.

The inspection for your deck happens once your deck is complete. The inspection will have a pass or fail outcome, and the project is not complete until it passes inspection.

Permit holders can request an inspection within their SelfServe project dashboard under the 'Inspections' heading, or by calling 311.

Learn more about inspections

Need Help?

Contact our Development Services team to get help with your project.

For General Questions

Appointments
Book an appointment for general questions about your project and the permit requirements.

Phone
311 (outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311)

Deck (Uncovered)

Do I need a permit?

Deck Permit Considerations

Unsure Which Permits You Need?

Who can apply?

Fees & Processing Times

Permit Fees

Application Processing Times

Tips & Professional Support

Understand Your Location Restrictions

Simple Uncovered Decks

Prepare Your Documents

Complex Uncovered Decks

Prepare Your Documents

Drop off or Mail-In

Making Changes Before Permit is Issued

Making Changes After Permit is Issued

Cancelling a Permit or Application

Replying to a More Information Request

Need Help?

For General Questions

Resources

Click Before You Dig