Home deck under construction

Decks, Porches and Patios

Are you considering building a deck, porch, or patio for your home? We're here to help guide you through the process and ensure your project is a success.

Adding a deck, porch, or patio to your property can not only enhance its visual appeal but also provide a functional and enjoyable space for you and your family to relax and entertain guests.

However, building these outdoor features requires careful planning and consideration to ensure they meet safety and building code requirements.

If you are building or replacing a deck, or porch, you may need a building permit. Patios on grade do not require a permit as they are considered a landscaping element. Contact the Building Department to determine if your project requires a building permit.

Before you can apply for a Building Permit, you need to apply for a Pre-Building Approval Application.

If at any time you have a question or are unsure whether a building permit is required, please call the Building Department at 905-335-7731 or email buildingpermits@burlington.ca.

Decks, Porches and Patios Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a building permit for a deck?

Yes, for a deck you must have a permit before starting construction, if the deck/porch:

Is 10 square metres (108 square feet) or more in area,
Is 600mm (2 feet) or higher from grade measured from the top of the adjacent walking surface, or
Is covered with a roof or enclosed with walls.

Do I need a building permit for a porch?

Yes, for a porch constructed with footings and foundations you must have a permit before you start construction.

Do I need a building permit for a patio?

No, for a patio constructed on grade you do not require a permit as it's considered a landscaping element.

What other approvals are necessary before I can get a building permit?

Before you can get a building permit, you may need a pre-building approval application, which is the city’s written confirmation of the current zoning, forestry and site grading/drainage regulations for a property. For questions about the pre-building approval process, call the city’s Community Planning Department at 905-335-7642.

Other regulatory approvals may be necessary if your property lies within Conservation Halton or Niagara Escarpment Commission boundaries. It is your responsibility as the property owner to contact those applicable agencies to determine their requirements when developing on your property.

Conservation Halton: 905-336-1158 or web@hrca.on.ca
Niagara Escarpment Commission (Georgetown):905-877-5191 or necgeorgetown@ontario.ca

What do I need when submitting a building permit application?

A zoning clearance certificate issued by the Community Planning Department
A completed building permit application
Designer schedules to show all designer qualifications, as per the OBC
The following construction drawings:
- Floor plan(s) layout of the deck/porch – fully dimensioned including framing types, sizes & spans, etc.
- Cross-section/Elevations including pier/footing/foundation details, connection details, height from grade, stair & guard details, etc.
A site plan - fully dimensioned showing lot lines, existing structures and proposed deck structure and setback distances.
Innovative materials or systems, such as composite decking or aluminum guards, may not be recognized by the Ontario Building Code. For those products, a Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) approval and Minister's Ruling or Building Materials Evaluation Commission (BMEC) approval is required. A copy of the CCMC or BMEC report must be submitted with your application for each innovative material or system to be used. Steel, aluminum and glass railing systems must be designed in accordance with structural requirements in Division B, Part 4 of the Ontario Building Code and an engineered design must be submitted.
BMEC Authorizations or Minister’s Rulings with CCMC Evaluation Listings for innovative materials or systems.
Permit fees – View our Building Permit Fee Schedule for more information on building permit fees.

Do I need a qualified designer for my drawings?

A homeowner can design a building/structure for their property without being qualified under the Ontario Building Code Act. The owner must prepare plans and specifications with enough detail to demonstrate the project complies with the code.

If any person other than the owner prepares plans and takes responsibility for the design of a building, they must have the required technical qualifications under the Ontario Building Code.

A declaration of designer form, "Schedule 1" available through the Building Department, must be completed by the designer of the drawings.

How much will my permit cost?

There is a minimum fee payable when you apply for a building permit. The fee includes plan review and site inspection services. View our Building Permit Fee Schedule for more information on building permit fees. Please refer to 'Schedule A' of the city's Building Permit By-law for all fees.

How long will it take to get a permit?

Once you submit your building permit application, a plan review will be conducted within 10 business days. At that time, your permit will either be issued or an application status report will be sent with items that need to be addressed before the city can issue a permit.

How do I submit my application for a building permit?

The city only accepts permit applications through electronic submission. You can email your application, drawings and documents to buildingpermits@burlington.ca. All submissions must meet the city's electronic application submission standards. The submission standards can be accessed by visiting our Applying for a Building Permit webpage or by contacting the Building Department.

Do I need to call for inspections?

Yes, once your permit is issued, you will receive a checklist indicating which inspections are needed. You must contact the building inspector directly to book all required inspections. Building inspector contact information will be provided on your issued permit card.