Building & Development

• Permitting Fee Schedule
• Rezoning Application 
• LUB Amendment Application 
• Encroachment Agreement Application 
• Variance Application 
• Owner Permission Form 
• Gas Permit Application 
• Plumbing Permit Application 
• Electrical Permit Application 
• Subdivision Application 
• Notice of Appeal Application 

Don't see what you're looking for? Give our Infrastructure, Planning & Development department a call at 780-632-6479.  

All decks require a development permit, however, if your deck is 2ft high and/or covered it will also require a building permit.

What do you need?
A completed Development Permit Application & Building Permit Application form and fee (please allow 10 working days for processing permits).
Two sets of deck plans on a scale of not less than 1:100 or legibly drawn.
One site plan showing deck dimensions, height and setbacks from property lines and buildings.

What details should I include on a deck plan?

• Floor joist type and spacing
• Size and type of deck planking
• Size of deck (length, width, height)
• Size of beams and number of piles
• Size and spacing of columns
• Type of columns
• Construction of guard and handrails
• Construction of stairs (rise and run)
• Type of foundation

Construction Guidelines

All decks except ground level decks have setback requirements.

• The width or diameter of a wood column cannot be less than the width of the framing lumber being supported (typically a minimum 6 in x 6 in preserved wood or treated column is required).
• A handrail must be provided for stairs with more than three steps.
• Guards are required for decks over 2ft high. If the deck floor is 2ft to 5ft 11in above ground level, guards must be a minimum of 36in (900mm) high.
• If the deck floor is over 5ft 11in (1.8m) above ground level guards must be 42in (1072mm) high. There are special requirements for deck bench brackets; please call form more information.
• Guards around decks must be designed so that the rails are no more than 4in (100mm) apart and 36in above the deck floor; and the design will not allow climbing (e.g. lattice, horizontal rails, attached seats).
• Foundation support columns for attached decks must penetrate the frost level the same depth as the building or a minimum of 4 ft.
• Other conditions may apply once a full plan review is completed by the Safety Codes Officer.

An inspection is required once the deck is complete. Call 1-866-554-5048.

This information simply outlines the requirements for a fence or a residential attached deck and is only intended to offer general guidance. Please call the Infrastructure, Planning & Development department at 780-632-6479 for more information.