Deck, porch and balcony permits

Check whether you need a permit

• Deck greater than 0.61 metres (≈ 2 ft) (2 feet (≈ 610 mm)) high
• Porch that’s covered
• Balcony – either constructing one on a house, apartment or condo, or replacing or repairing guards on an apartment or condo
• If you’re planning to build a new porch, deck or balcony, there are general provisions that regulate the location and setbacks.
• You can find the general provisions for encroachments and projections in Table 4.1.5 of the Zoning By-law.
• The zoning of your property might have additional regulations such as lot coverage.
• Review the general provisions, and then check the zoning regulations for your property using the find property information tool.
• If something in the general provisions conflicts with the zoning regulations for your property, follow the zoning regulations.
• If your lot is next to land zoned as greenland, any new structures may have to be built farther away from your property lines.

Prepare your plans0 of 34

Your drawings must clearly show what is existing and the changes you’re proposing. Drawings must be to scale, and should use metric measurements. We may request additional information when your application is reviewed.

• Site plan15The site plan must include the following:
• Floor plan6The floor plan must include the following:
• Roof plan (if applicable)7The roof plan must include the following:
• Elevations6Elevations are required for each side of the project. They must include the following information:

You need an account to see these 34 items.It’s free. Use Sign in at the top of the page to create one, then tick the items off on any device and print them as a checklist.

Complete the forms2Download the set3 forms

For a deck, porch or balcony you’ll need to submit:

• Applicable Law FormForm
• Schedule 1 Designer InformationForm

Submit your application

All building permit applications must be submitted online through our ePlans portal.

• Start the building permit application process by creating an ePlans account.
• Log in to ePlans and navigate to the Building Applications section.
• Follow the prompts to start the application process.
• Complete each step by providing the requested information.
• Submit your building permit request and pay the administration fee.
• Shortly after submitting your permit request, you’ll receive an email from the City that includes your temporary project number and an invitation to upload drawings and supporting documents.
• Log in to ePlans and open your applicant upload task under the Current Projects section.
• Follow the task instructions to upload required drawings and documents.
• When you upload all of these drawings and documents into ePlans, all files must follow the required file name and format guidelines.
• After you upload your drawings and documents, the City will start the pre-screen review process to ensure the minimum requirements are met.
• The time frame for this step is subject to change depending on request volumes.
• You cannot upload any additional information or respond to comments during the pre-screen review.
• If the submission requires more information, you will be notified by email with details about the pre-screen corrections. You must complete all pre-screen corrections in order to move ahead with the application process.

Pay the fee

• For a residential property, a permit will cost a minimum of $244.
• You will need to pay a $50 administrative fee when you submit your request online. This non-refundable deposit will be credited towards the total cost of your permit.
• The total fees depend on the size, type and use of the proposed project or building. The exact cost of your permit will be calculated once we prescreen your request.
• Fees for different types of projects are outlined in the Building Permit Fee Schedule.
• There may be additional fees such as development charges or deposits you need to pay before your permit is issued.
• Once your request passes the prescreen review, the City will send you an email to let you know what additional fees you need to pay.
• You must pay fees under $40,000 using the applicant’s account in ePlans.
• You must pay fees over $40,000 by electronic payment.