Uncovered decks, balconies and related structures

Permits, application requirements, and common rules

Before you apply

Use this page to help guide you through submitting a complete application. We will explain when you need a permit, what permits you need, what your application requirements are and go over some common rules relating to your project.

Do you need a permit?

For decks:

If your uncovered deck is higher than 0.6m (2’-0”) above grade at any point, a building permit will be required for any of the following scenarios:

  • You are building a new deck
  • You are replacing, rebuilding, or extending an existing deck
  • You are replacing any structural components of an existing deck
  • You are adding stairs to an existing deck

If your deck has a pergola or roof:

  • If the roof is attached to your house, it is considered an addition. Review the additions page for more information.
  • If the roof is not attached to your house, it is considered an accessory residential building. Review the Garage, shed and greenhouse page for more information.

You do not require a permit if:

  • Your deck is uncovered and less than 0.6m (2’-0”) above grade at any point

For balconies:

A balcony is a horizontal platform attached to a building above the first storey. A building permit will be required for any of the following scenarios: 

  • You are building a new deck
  • You are replacing, rebuilding, or extending an existing deck
  • You are replacing any structural components of an existing deck
  • You are adding stairs to an existing deck

If your balcony is covered by a pergola or roof, it is considered an addition. Review the additions

  • Building a garage or deck

    July 13, 2022

    Watch our recorded Q&A on everything you need to know about building a garage or deck.

    Hear from Development, Business and Building Services team about permits, fees, and how to make your garage or deck safe.

Building safety approval (building permit)

Building safety approval is to make sure that the structure meets building safety requirements. Review the construction (building code information) section of this page for more information.

When do you need additional permits?

You may require additional permits depending on if it meets the rules of the Land Use Bylaw or if you are doing any additional work including electrical or plumbing.

How much will it cost?

Building safety approval - building permit Fee schedule Permit fee Safety codes council fee (4%) Total
New deck or balcony

building permit fee schedule

$198 $7.92 $205.92
Changes to an existing deck

building permit fee schedule

$198 $7.92 $205.92

How do you pay for a permit?

Online submissions

For online submissions you will pay your permit fees in full at the time of your application using a credit card

In person submissions

You will be required to pay in full at the time of your application. You may pay by credit or debit card, cheque or cash.

How long will it take to get a permit?

Timelines indicated are not a guarantee and depend on volumes, application completeness, and the applicant’s timely replies to additional information requests from the City.

Tip: To avoid delays in processing your application, make sure your application includes all the required documents, plans and information listed on the checklist below. 

 

See the tips for a smooth application for details on submitting a complete application.

Timeline
Building safety approval - building permit Our process Timeline

New deck or changes to an existing deck

Application is reviewed for bylaw and safety codes compliance

7 days
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What are the rules when designing your project?

The following information will help you prepare your building permit application, and make sure it meets the City’s requirements.

Where are you building?

Where can you build on your property?

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What design rules do you need to meet?

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If you have questions or need clarification on the Land Use Bylaw rules, or have general permit questions, please contact the Planning Services Centre.

Construction information (Building Code) to consider when designing your building

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How to prepare your application

1. Prepare the application details

You will need to know:

  • The project address
  • Who is applying (the homeowner or someone representing the owner)
  • Who will be doing the work (contractor, homeowner)
  • What you are applying for
  • Project details, including the size of the building

2. Prepare the required documents and plans

Building permit application requirements

Specific drawing and supporting document requirements are listed on the permit checklist. You must provide all the required drawings and documents when you submit your application.

Plans

Sample drawings have been provided to assist you with completing your requirements – you should provide everything listed on the checklist as shown on the Sample Drawings.

1. Site plan

  • Tip: You can modify a Real Property Report (RPR) to use as your site Plan.
  • You must note where the proposed garage is going to be located on the property, along with the size of the garage, the height of the garage and the distances from property lines as well as the house.

2. Cross-section

  • A cross-section is a 2D representation of what the deck looks like as if it was “cut in half”. It shows how the different components of the deck fit together.
  • Tip: you can use the Uncovered deck worksheet and fill in the required information for the cross-section

3. Plan view

  • A plan view is a “top-down” 2D representation of what your deck looks like from above. It should show what type of decking you will be using, the size and space of your joists and the size of your deck beam.
  • Tip: you can use the Uncovered deck worksheet and fill in the required information for the plan view

Apply

Tips for a smooth application process

Before you apply

Download the checklist and check each application requirement as you prepare to submit your application. Items listed on the checklist are the minimum requirements. We might need more information after we review your application.

Provide all required documents on the checklist, including drawings, supporting material, and any additional forms. If you are not sure if something is required, contact the Planning Services Centre

Use sample drawings to review what you need to include on your plans

Double check your documents are completed and make sure you have all required items on your plans before you upload them

After you apply

The Planning Services Centre may contact you for more information required for your application. Follow-up on requests for more information as quickly as possible. 

Use the Job Access Code (JAC) to check status updates for your application on calgary.ca/vista

  • You’ll get a JAC by e-mail after you’ve submitted your application. If you did not receive a JAC number, contact the Planning Services Centre.
  • Checking your application’s status using your JAC will provide you with timely updates about the status of your application

What is a complete application?

A complete application means that you have provided all the necessary requirements for our teams to complete their reviews. You should provide everything listed on the Complete Application Requirement List and the Guide to a Complete Application (if applicable), including plans, supporting documents and payment.

An application for a permit may be refused  if, within ninety (90) days from the date of receipt,  if adequate information and documentation is not supplied as requested by the Safety Codes Officer. Should a permit be considered for refusal, the applicant will be given notification in writing and 30 days to resubmit the missing information. For more information, please review Building advisory A19-002 building permit complete application.

Apply online

To apply online, you need a myID account. Create a myID account..

Apply in-person

Complete the application form.

Once you have gathered all required documents, you can apply for your permit in person by visiting the Planning Services Centre.

After you apply

How to check the status of your permit

After you submit your application online, you will get a confirmation email with a Job Access Code (JAC).

To track your application and check its status, enter your Job Access Code in Vista.

If you need help or have questions, contact our Planning Services Centre

What Inspections do you need?

Uncovered decks and balconies

Framing (rough-in) inspection requirements:

  • Complete the deck structure, hand-rail and stairs.
  • Ensure there is access to the structural components under the deck such as beams, posts, and joists.

How do you book your inspections?

Visit building inspections for information on how to book, cancel or reschedule an inspection, permit expiry and the requirements for each inspection type.

Contractors

If you have a vista account:

If you do not have a Vista acount:

Make changes to your permit

Planning Services Centre

Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (MT)

Live chat:
calgary.ca/livechat

Call:
403-268-5311

In person: 
Planning Services Centre,
3rd floor, Municipal building 
800 Macleod Trail SE

Book an eAppointment for in person services at appointment.calgary.ca

Click before you dig

Always contact Utility Safety Partners before you dig. Submit a locate request online or call 1-800-242-3447 for more information.


This information has no legal status and cannot be used as an official interpretation of the various bylaws, codes and regulations currently in effect. The City of Calgary accepts no responsibility to persons relying solely on this information. Web pages are updated periodically. ​

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