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Deck

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Read about up-to-date COVID-19 related service adjustments for development, permit, licensing, and construction & inspection services.

Deck without a roof or walls

For structures with a roof or walls and attached to a house, see Home Additions.

Do I Need A Permit?

Permits are NOT required when a deck is:

  • Less than 0.6 metres (24 inches) above the ground at every point;
  • Does not have a roof or walls;
  • Entirely located within a back or side yard; and
  • Not located on a corner lot.

For structures not attached to a house, and containing a roof or walls see Detached Garage and Shed.

Tips for Planning Your Project

  • Online applications are now accepted. Follow the steps below to prepare your application.
  • CLICK-Before-You-Dig or DIAL-Before-You-Dig: 1-800-242-3447 for no-cost utility marking.
  • Expect longer processing times during peak season (March-August). Typical applications are processed within 3-4 weeks.

Step 1: Plan Your Deck Location

A site plan is required for all applications. Follow the steps below to submit a correct site plan and minimize application processing times.

Step 1A: Understand Your Location Restrictions

Back Yard

If your property is located on a corner lot, see the corner lots section.

1. Find the zone and overlay that apply to your property
  • Enter your property’s address at maps.edmonton.ca
  • In the general tab, scroll down to find the current zone and overlay sections.
  • Note your current zone (RF1, RF2, RF3, RF4, RSL, etc.)
  • Note whether overlays is none or Mature Neighbourhood Overlay.
  • Need help? See the Zoning and Overlay Guide
2. Review Back Yard Deck Restrictions to understand your location restrictions for your property.

If your zone and overlay combination is not listed, 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

If your property is located on a corner lot, see the corner lot section

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

Enter your property’s address at maps.edmonton.ca

  • In the general tab, scroll down to find the current zone and overlay sections.
  • Note your current zone (RF1, RF2, RF3, RF4, RSL, etc.)
  • Note whether overlays is none or Mature Neighbourhood Overlay.
  • Need help? See the Zoning and Overlay Guide
2. Review Front Yard Deck Restrictions to understand your location restrictions for your property.

A front deck located within the Mature Neighbourhood Overlay will require abutting property information with your application.

Abutting properties information requirements:

  • Left-side neighbour’s front setback measurement: distance between front property line and foundation of house.
  • Right-side neighbour’s front setback measurement: distance between front property line and foundation of house.
    • Where the abutting lot is vacant, the front setback is that of the next abutting lot.

Abutting Properties Sample & Checklist

If your zone and overlay combination is not listed, 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

See the Zoning Bylaw for a current definition of corner lots.

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.
  • Contact Us to understand the restrictions specific to your property

Step 1B: Prepare a Site Plan

Location Checklist
Check the following location restrictions to create a correct site plan:
  • 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), etc. 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, mortgage papers, talk to your home builder, or request a Search of Records.
  • Identify overhead utility lines. Maintain minimum 3.5m (11.5 feet) clearance to electrical wires located above the deck walking surface. Contact EPCOR (780-310-4300) with questions concerning clearance from power lines and power pedestals.
Site Plan Requirements
A site plan should:
  • Preferably be drawn on a real property report, plot plan, or graph paper
A site plan must include:
  • North arrow
  • Property address
  • Corresponding streets and avenues
  • Dimensions of property lines​
  • Location, measurements, and setbacks of proposed and existing buildings and structures
  • Identify applicable caveats, covenants, easements

Sample Deck Site Plan

Step 2: Design Your Deck

The Deck Design Form is required for all applications. Review the form to understand if design drawings or engineer-stamped drawings are also required for your application.

Design Drawing Standards
Design Drawings must include:
  • Plan view
  • Section View
  • Elevation view
Design Drawings Requirements:
  • Prepared by a person skillful in technical drawing, draftsperson, or professional
  • 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.

Use the  Deck Design Form for typical single-level decks.

See the Deck Design Guide for more information.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Fees

Each application is unique. Typical deck applications involve the following fees:

Standard Application Fees
Development Permit Fee $120
Building Permit Fee $112
Safety Codes Fee $4.50
Total Permit Fee $236.50

 

Additional fees may apply. See Residential Permits and Fees for more information.

Online Application Checklist

Required For All Applications:

Required for Specific Properties:

  • Deck design drawings (see Step 2)
  • Engineer-stamped drawings (see Step 2)
  • Abutting properties measurements (required for front yards only - see Step 1)

File Instructions:

  • Name files to describe contents and project address (Example: “Site Plan - 321 45 Street NW)
  • One combined file or multiple files are accepted
  • Ensure the project address is included within every file
In-Person Application Checklist

To apply in person complete the following documents and visit the Edmonton Service Centre located in the Edmonton Tower Building. There are several ways to make a payment.

Required For All Applications:

Required For Specific Properties:

  • Deck design drawings (see Step 2)
  • Engineer-stamped Drawings (see Step 2)
  • Abutting Properties Plan(Required for a front yards only - See Step 2)

File Instructions:

  • Ensure the project address is included on every file
  • Do not include personal information on site plans or drawings

Apply: Homeowners Apply: Contractors & Professionals

Permit Application Appointments

Submit your completed home improvement application for same day review

Book an Appointment

After You Apply

Application Processing

City staff will review your application to ensure your project complies with the City of Edmonton Zoning Bylaw and applicable Safety Codes.

Application processing times vary. During peak season (March-August) typical applications are processed within 3-4 weeks. Complex applications may require additional processing time.

Changing Your Application or Permit

Changes to your submitted application may be subject to additional fees. To make changes while your application is in progress Contact Us. To make changes after your permit has been issued contact the Permit Issuer identified on your permit.

Cancellation And/Or Refund Request Form

Scheduling Your Mandatory Inspection

Online Applications: Request an inspection online when construction is complete.

In Person Applications: Call 311 to request an inspection when construction is complete.

To learn more visit Safety Codes Inspection Services

For More Information

Edmonton Service Centre

2nd Floor, 10111 104 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB  T5J 0J4

Contact Us Online 
 
Telephone

In Edmonton: 311
Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311

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