Cambridge deck permit: when you need one and what to submit
The short answer
Cambridge gives no deck height rule. It needs a permit for any structure bigger than 10 m² (108 sq ft), which covers most decks. City fee: $143 ($118 permit plus a $25 zoning review).
Last verified 2026-10-07 · City of Cambridge: Building permits, City of Cambridge Fees and Charges By-law 25-079, 2026 (PDF), City of Cambridge Zoning By-law 26-007 (PDF)- City fee
- $143 ($118 permit plus a $25 zoning review)
- Where to apply
- City of Cambridge application portal
Under Zoning By-law 26-007 a deck has to be at least 3.0 m from the rear lot line, stay out of the front yard and sit no higher than the house's first floor. Ask the City about a smaller deck.
What an application usually includes
Cambridge’s checklist has the exact list; apply through City of Cambridge application portal.
- A site plan with the lot lines, the house and the deck, with distances
- A framing plan: joists, beams, posts and footings with sizes and spacing
- Elevations and sections: guard, stairs, the ledger connection and footing depth
- The application form and the owner or designer declaration
Local quirks
- No water in a pool or hot tub until the City's final inspection, and building before the permit doubles the pool permit fee.
- A deck has to stay at least 3.0 m (about 10 ft) from the rear lot line.
- Removing or damaging a private tree 20 cm (8 in) across or more needs its own tree permit.
Design your Cambridge deck to the Building Code.
The design, drawings and code checks work in Cambridge today. Cambridge’s own forms aren’t built in yet, so you’ll fill those in on the City’s portal.