Deck Permit Guide · Toronto & GTA
Do You Need a Permit for a Deck in Toronto and the GTA?
Updated October 20, 2026
In most of the GTA, a deck needs a building permit once it is more than about 60 cm (24 in) above the ground. Several cities also require one for any deck attached to the house, and a few for decks over 10 m² (108 sq ft).
The exact rules differ by city, so below you will find each city’s rule in plain language, with a link to the official page. Every deck still has to meet zoning setbacks, even when it needs no permit.
The short answer
Across the GTA, a deck usually needs a building permit when any of these is true:
- It is more than about 60 cm (24 in) above the ground at any point.
- It is attached to the house (in Brampton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham and Oakville this alone is enough).
- It is larger than 10 m² (108 sq ft) in Richmond Hill and Markham, or larger than 10 m² and over 61 cm high in Oakville.
- It has a roof, or you are enclosing it.
Rules that apply even without a permit
A low deck that needs no permit still has to meet the zoning by-law: setbacks from the property lines, lot coverage and, in some cities, how far it can reach into the rear yard. Every city on this page says so in its own words.
Footings still need to reach below frost, at least 1.2 m in the GTA, or the deck will heave. Guards are required once the deck is more than 600 mm above the ground.
How the permit process works
We prepare the drawings and handle the application for the decks we build, so the permit runs alongside the design rather than after it.
- Drawings: a site plan with distances to the property lines, a framing and footing plan, elevations and a section showing the connection to the house and the guards.
- Forms: the application, and Schedule 1 designer information.
- Review: the city checks the drawings against the Building Code and zoning. Simple residential deck reviews usually take a few weeks.
- Inspections: typically footings before they are covered, framing, and a final inspection.
Deck permit rules by city
Every city applies the Ontario Building Code, but each one words its rules and asks for drawings a little differently. Always check the official page for your address before you build.
Toronto
10 ATB deck projects hereAlso covers North York, Scarborough and Etobicoke: one City of Toronto rule set.
- When you need a permit
- A deck more than 60 cm (24 in) above the ground needs a permit, and so does enclosing a deck of any size. An uncovered platform no more than 60 cm above grade does not, as long as it meets the zoning by-law.
- What the city asks for
- Scaled drawings with footing, beam, stair and guard details, plus a site plan or survey showing setbacks, lot coverage and grades. The deck and porch permit fee is $214.79 (2026).
Mississauga
6 ATB deck projects here- When you need a permit
- A deck higher than 0.61 m (2 ft) needs a permit. A deck under 600 mm does not, but it still has to meet zoning.
- What the city asks for
- A site plan with setbacks and lot coverage, a framing and foundation plan, elevations showing guard heights, a designer information form and the applicable law form.
Brampton
8 ATB deck projects here- When you need a permit
- Any deck attached or anchored to the house, or 0.6 m or more above the ground, needs a permit. A free-standing deck under 0.6 m does not.
- Zoning
- Every deck must meet the zoning by-law for setbacks and permitted encroachments. Zoning Services can confirm the numbers for your lot.
Vaughan
3 ATB deck projects here- When you need a permit
- Any deck attached to the house needs a permit, whatever its size or height. A free-standing, uncovered deck no larger than 18.6 m² (about 200 sq ft) and no more than 0.6 m above grade does not.
- What the city asks for
- Dimensioned drawings (foundation plan, framing plan, elevations, sections with footing depth and guard design), a survey showing distances to the property lines, and a lot grading permit where it applies.
Richmond Hill
2 ATB deck projects here- When you need a permit
- You need a permit if the deck is attached to the house, more than 600 mm above average grade, or larger than 10 m² (108 sq ft). Any one of the three is enough.
- What the city asks for
- A site plan with setbacks, a plan view and a section showing heights and the connection to the house. Footings go at least 1.2 m below grade. The flat fee is $218.46. Decks cannot be attached to brick veneer.
Caledon
5 ATB deck projects here- When you need a permit
- A deck higher than 24 in (60 cm) off the ground at any point needs a permit.
- What the town asks for
- A site plan with distances to the property lines, foundation and framing plans, elevations, and guard details. On septic lots the deck must stay at least 1.5 m from the tank and 5 m from the distribution pipes.
Whitby
- When you need a permit
- A deck over 2 ft (0.6 m) high needs a permit. Decks under 2 ft do not.
- Zoning
- Deck size and setbacks are set by Zoning By-law 1784.
Oshawa
- When you need a permit
- You need a permit unless the deck is no more than 24 in from the ground to the top and does not hold up a roof.
- Zoning
- Generally a deck can reach up to 2.4 m into the minimum front or rear yard, and its stairs a further 1.5 m.
Markham
- When you need a permit
- Markham’s deck page lists three triggers: larger than 10 m², attached to the house, or more than 600 mm above the ground.
Markham’s permit-process page words this differently, so confirm with the city for your deck.
Oakville
- When you need a permit
- A deck larger than 10 m² that is also higher than 61 cm needs a permit. Any deck attached to the house needs one, whatever the size.
- What the town asks for
- A site plan, framing plan, elevations with stair and guard details, sections showing footings and the house connection, and a tree protection declaration.
Common questions
Do I need a permit for a deck in Toronto?
Yes, if the deck is more than 60 cm (24 in) above the ground, or if you are enclosing it. An uncovered deck no more than 60 cm above grade does not need one, but it must still meet the zoning by-law.
Do I need a permit for a ground-level deck?
Usually not, if it is low (under about 60 cm) and free-standing. Brampton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham and Oakville require a permit for any deck attached to the house, and Richmond Hill and Markham also for decks over 10 m².
What happens if I build a deck without a permit?
The city can order work stopped, ask for drawings and inspections after the fact, or require changes or removal. It can also come up when you sell the house. It is cheaper to get the permit first.
How long does a deck permit take?
For a straightforward residential deck, plan on a few weeks from a complete application. Missing drawings are the most common reason it takes longer.
Official sources
Rules change. This guide is general information, not legal advice; confirm with your city before you build.
Want a real number for your yard?
Send us the address and a few photos, or design your deck in 3D and send the plan. We reply with a site visit and a written quote.