Deck permits, drawn and submitted for you.

When does a deck need a permit?

In Calgary, Edmonton and most Alberta municipalities, a deck more than 0.6 m (24 in) above the ground needs a building permit. Lower decks or patios do not need a building permit, but they still have to meet the setback rules in your municipality's land use or zoning bylaw.

A few details change what your deck needs:

• Covered decks. A roof, pergola or canopy over the deck means the building code treats it as an addition, so a full addition permit package is required.
• Hot tubs. A hot tub on top of the deck needs an engineer to confirm the structure can carry it. A hot tub on the ground with a deck around it doesn't need an engineer, but the hot tub needs its own permit.
• Footings. Footings have to go below frost level. Concrete piles and screw piles are both common. Concrete pads are not always accepted.
• Location on the lot. A deck in the rear yard is usually simplest. Side and front yard decks, or decks that don't meet the setbacks, may need a development permit with a variance. Not every variance can be supported.

What we prepare

• Site plan showing the deck and setbacks
• Deck plan
• Framing, footing, stair and guard details
• The permit application, submitted on your behalf

What we need from you

• Your Real Property Report (RPR) or survey plan, if you have one
• The deck's approximate size and height
• Whether it will be covered or have a hot tub
• For an existing deck, photos from a few angles