Building a deck addition is a smart investment and a great way to enhance your outdoor living space. Not only will a new deck provide a space for spending time with family and outdoor recreation, it will also boost your home’s resale value. Deck builders in Edmonton will obtain any necessary permits required for your deck project, but if you plan on building it yourself, the responsibility is yours.
Failure to obtain the proper permits when building a deck could cause some annoying and expensive issues down the road if you decide to sell your home. Getting permits after construction is always more difficult and costly than getting them before.
When do I need a permit for building a deck?
If you live in the City of Edmonton, a permit is not required if the deck you are building is less than 0.6 metres high and if it is entirely built in the back yard. It also has to be compliant with the City’s zoning bylaws, ensuring that it is following rules and regulations for the development of land in Edmonton.
There are two types of permits: development permits and building permits. A development permit is required if your deck is built on a corner lot, front yard or side yard of any lot and if it is 0.6 metres high. A building permit is required if your deck is higher than 0.6 metres above grade and for any deck that might serve as the principle entrance of the dwelling.
There are special permits required if your deck is higher than usual, above 1.8 metres. If that’s the case, you should call 311 to speak with a Building Technical Advisor. Remember that uncovered decks cannot cover the gas meter or gas shut off valve.
How do I apply for a permit?
If your deck doesn’t meet the criteria and you must obtain a development or building permit, you can complete and submit the Residential Development & Building Application Form and a deck design form. When you submit the forms, you are also required to send a set of drawing that identify the height of the structure, property lines, additional features like benches or pergolas, deck construction details and a site plan showing the location of the deck with it’s dimension and all other structures.
If you plan on installing a hot tub on your deck, both the deck and the hot tub application are treated as one application and are processed together at the same time and for the same fee. If you have any questions about building permits in Edmonton, contact them by dialing 311.
