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