Decks

A permit is required for a deck that is attached to another structure, has a roof or is over 10m2 (108 sq. ft) and more than 600mm (2 feet) above grade.

Forms

You will need a completed permit application (PDF), two sets of plans and information (as listed in the application) to make an application. 

Other documents/information that may be required:

Requirements

Who may design a deck:

  • An architect, professional engineer or qualified designer with a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) is permitted to take responsibility for the design.
  • The homeowner is permitted to prepare and take legal responsibility for designing a deck for their home, provided they understand and are willing to take responsibility for the Ontario Building Code’s applicable requirements. 
  • Any person is permitted to prepare and take responsibility for the design of an unroofed deck 55m2 (592 sq. ft) in the area or under, provided they understand and are willing to take responsibility for the applicable requirements of the Ontario Building Code.

Download an example of a drawing (PDF).

Drawings you submit must include:

  • Property survey of the lot showing the location of the existing structures for reference, the proposed deck and dimensions to all property lines (from the proposed structure)
  • Manufacturer’s information and approved engineered details for any aluminum, vinyl or glass guard system and/or composite deck material, including guards that are a combination of wood and aluminum
  • manufacturer’s technical information and approved engineering torque calculations for helical piers
  • engineer’s design is required if helical piers are supporting a roof
  • deck drawings include:
    • A clear description of what is existing and what is proposed
    • plans show overall dimensions
    • height of the deck from grade
    • joist size, span, spacing and overhang
    • beams size, span and overhang
    • pier diameter, depth and spacing
    • size and connection of ledger board
    • detail of connection of post to beam
    • connection of pier to post
    • stair dimensions showing or indicating rise, tread and handrail height
    • fully detailed guard rail including dimensions and connection of guard post to deck
    • type of lumber being used for structural components
    • size and type of material for deck board

Application process

A complete application must be submitted with all the required forms, documents and applicable drawings. 

Before submission, ensure that all necessary and applicable permissions and approvals are met. 

Bring the application and two copies of the required documentation to the Customer Service Counter located on the second floor of city hall. We’re open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

We accept cash, debit, or cheque (payable to the City of Quinte West).

After speaking with a representative from the building services to determine permit and development costs, send the application and two copies of the required documentation and a cheque payable to the City of Quinte West to:

City of Quinte West
Building Services
7 Creswell Dr.
PO Box 490
Trenton, ON  K8V 5R6

Submit payment:

  • By mail – send a cheque (payable to the City of Quinte West) to:

City of Quinte West
Building Services 
7 Creswell Dr.
PO Box 490
Trenton, ON  K8V 5R6

Note that for email submissions, the permit will not be accepted until payment is made.

Call 613-392-2841, ext. 4904 or email building@quintewest.ca to book an inspection. Inspections cannot be booked through your inspector. 

Provide the following information:

  • Address
  • Permit number
  • Contact information
  • Preferred date of inspection (minimum two business days notice) 
  • Preference of a.m. or p.m. (note that we may not be able to accommodate each requested time of day)

Please note that confirmation will not be provided unless requested.

Tips and Contacts

  • The maximum overhanging of joists is 16″ for 2×8 joists and 24″ for joists 2×10 or larger
  • Piers must be a minimum of 4′-0″ deep – if piers are within 4′-0″ of the home, they must be as deep as the existing house footings to reach undisturbed soil
  • Ledger boards must be at least the same size as the floor joists
  • Decks 5′-11″ or less above grade, the guard is required to be 35″ high
  • Decks 5′-11″ or greater above grade, the guard is required to be 42″ high
  • A professional engineer must design beams that bear off the house
  • cedar is not a permitted lumber type for structural components of a deck (posts, beams, joists)
  • If wood boards are used as part of the guard system in place of pickets, they must have a minimum thickness of 5/4″
  • Fasteners used for joist hangers must be in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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