How to apply for a Building Permit for Decks and Porches in Toronto

General Information

Whether you decided to get a new deck or to renovate the existing one, you always want to ensure that the safety procedures and applicable laws are followed. Building permits help confirm the project is safe for you and your family, as well as protect the interests of the community.

The Ontario Building Code regulates different aspects of constructions. In the City of Toronto, it requires a building permit for an addition or material alteration of any building or structure. However, there is a number of projects that do not require a building permit.

When is the building permit required?

The owner of the building is responsible for meeting all the construction requirements. If needed, a building permit has to be obtained prior to the start of a project.
A building permit is required for:

• constructing a deck/porch as an addition to an existing building
• enclosing an existing deck, porch or patio of any size
• building a deck that is more than 60 centimetres (24 inches) above ground
• demolishing all or a portion of a building.

When is the building permit not required?

A building permit is not required for an uncovered deck or porch, provided:

• the level of a platform is not more than 60 cm (24 inches) above the ground
• it does not form part of an exit required under the building code.

Please note, compliance with the Zoning Bylaw is obligatory even when the project does not require a building permit.

Required Documentation

1. Plan for decks and porches is a document that provides:

• Details of footings (footing size, spacing, depth, height above grade, and frost protection details)
• Sizes and locations of all columns and beams
• Stair Construction Details (height and depth of stair treads and headroom above stairs
• Guard Construction Details (information about openings and climbability, and the location of the guards with respect to stairways, landings, and edges of the proposed platform.

2. A site plan has to include information on:

• Property lines, lot area, right-of-way or easements (referenced to a current survey)
• Location of existing/proposed buildings with overall dimensions and include setback dimensions to property lines and adjacent buildings.
• Summary of permitted and proposed zoning provisions to include lot area, building area (GFA), coverage, and grade elevations to confirm height.
• Indicate dimensioned parking areas, driveways, hard and soft landscape treatments, accessory structures (sheds, decks, detached garages, etc).

Required Forms

• Application to Construct or Demolish Form
  This building permit application form is required for all submissions.
• Schedule 1: Designer Information Form
  This form is required for all Designers that are responsible for a project when applying for any Construction Permit.
• Tree Declaration Form
  This form is required for all projects where there is potential damage to either private or City trees.

How to apply

You can submit your application in two ways:

• By email to bldapplications@toronto.ca.
  Please note that some of the projects may not be eligible for email submission. Research if your application is eligible before submitting it.
• In person at any Toronto Building Customer Service counter. You will be asked to provide a re-writable DVD or USB drive with all the necessary materials. No paper copies are required.

Fees

The fee active Jan. 1, 2019 for residential Decks, Porches, Carports is $198.59.

How do I book an inspection?

A person who is issued a building permit is obliged to inform the City when they attain each mandatory stage for an inspection.

To do so, you can call Toronto Building TelePermit to request, cancel, or reschedule an examination. A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required when booking an inspection. A building inspector must be able to examine all parts of the work under an inspection.

Note, a few inspections may be required depending on the scope of a project. Please consult with your inspector for more information.

It is a responsibility of a property owner to make sure that a building permit is closed upon project completion. Confirm that your permit is closed by calling the Toronto Building TelePermit after the final inspection.