London deck permit: when you need one and what to submit
The short answer
Yes, if the deck is more than 600 mm (2 ft) above the ground, or attached to the house at any height. City fee: $260.37, or $368.85 if it holds up a roof.
Last verified 2026-10-07 · City of London: Before you apply for a building permit, City of London: Common homeowner projects, City of London Building By-law B-7, Schedule A (2026–27 fees)- City fee
- $260.37, or $368.85 if it holds up a roof
- Where to apply
- City of London Development and Business Portal
- Review time
- The City aims to review a complete deck or house renovation application in 10 business days (15 for a second unit).
Attached decks now get a footing inspection as well as a final inspection. A deck can reach up to 3 m into a required yard but must stay at least 1.2 m from the lot line.
What an application usually includes
London’s checklist has the exact list; apply through City of London Development and Business 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
- A low deck still needs a permit if it's attached to the house. One City list suggests otherwise; the deck page is the one to follow.
- Pool fences must be at least 1.53 m (60 in) high, taller than in many Ontario cities.
- London has opted out of the Line Fences Act: if neighbours can't agree, costs are only shared for a 1.22 m (4 ft) chain-link fence.
Design your London deck to the Building Code.
The design, drawings and code checks work in London today. London’s own forms aren’t built in yet, so you’ll fill those in on the City’s portal.