Ottawa deck permit: when you need one and what to submit
The short answer
Yes, if the deck is attached to or next to the house and more than 600 mm (24 in) above the ground, or if it's a raised deck that's the main way into the house. City fee: $12.75 per $1,000 of construction value, minimum $117.
Last verified 2026-10-07 · City of Ottawa: Decks, City of Ottawa: Sundeck submissions, City of Ottawa: Building Code fee schedule (January 1, 2026)- City fee
- $12.75 per $1,000 of construction value, minimum $117
- Where to apply
- My ServiceOttawa building portal
- Review time
- About 5 business days for a first review of a deck, finished basement or pool enclosure (15 for adding an apartment).
A freestanding deck needs a permit if it's bigger than 10 m² (about 108 sq ft) and more than 600 mm high. The drawings have to show the footing depth and how the deck connects to the house.
What an application usually includes
Ottawa’s checklist has the exact list; apply through My ServiceOttawa building 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
- Already have a fenced yard? A pool or hot tub still needs its own enclosure permit.
- The finished side of a fence faces the street and the neighbours, and chain-link on homes has to be vinyl- or powder-coated.
- Heritage-designated properties lose the usual permit exemptions, so check before even small jobs.
Design your Ottawa deck to the Building Code.
The design, drawings and code checks work in Ottawa today. Ottawa’s own forms aren’t built in yet, so you’ll fill those in on the City’s portal.