Toronto deck permit: when you need one and what to submit
The short answer
Yes, if the deck is more than 60 cm (24 in) above the ground. The City's deck guide says only some detached decks can skip a permit, so plan on one for a deck attached to the house. City fee: $214.79 flat fee.
Last verified 2026-10-07 · City of Toronto: When do I need a building permit?, City of Toronto: Decks and porches permit guide, City of Toronto: Express building permits, Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 363 (PDF)- City fee
- $214.79 flat fee
- Where to apply
- City of Toronto: Express building permit application
- Review time
- Express service aims to review a complete deck, porch or house alteration application in 3 business days.
Zoning is checked with the deck permit, so the site plan has to list the zoning numbers. A zoning certificate ($214.79) is optional, but without one the City treats the application as incomplete and the usual review deadline doesn't apply.
What an application usually includes
Toronto’s checklist has the exact list; apply through City of Toronto: Express building permit application.
- 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
- Starting work before the permit is issued adds 50% of the permit fee.
- A pool enclosure has to keep every door of the house outside the fenced pool area.
- Any fence within 2.4 m of a driveway must be see-through, so drivers can see the sidewalk.
Design your Toronto deck to the Building Code.
The design, drawings and code checks work in Toronto today. Toronto’s own forms aren’t built in yet, so you’ll fill those in on the City’s portal.