You are listing a property. Your seller wants to know if his existing deck needs a permit. Or, is your buyer concerned about the seller's deck and whether it needs a permit?
A permit is not required if the deck meets all three of the following criteria:
- Less than 0.6 m high
- Fully situated in the rear yard
- Compliant with setback regulations stated in section 44 of the Zoning Bylaw 12800
Easy, peasy... right? Not so fast!
A development permit is required for the following:
- ANY deck, no matter what the height, built on a corner lot, in a front yard or in a flanking side yard of any lot
- Any deck more than 0.6 m above grade (also needs a building permit)
- Any deck serving as a principal entrance
Decks are tricky! If your client asks you if a deck needs permits, be careful what you say.
This is another great reason to counsel your sellers to supply and your buyers to insist on receiving a current RPR and Compliance Certificate Report that shows the deck and says it is fine.
Protect yourself.
Cheers,
Barry
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