Toronto generally requires a permit for decks above this height.
2026 Toronto fee example for Residential Decks, Porches and Carports.
Typical review target for complete house-stream applications.
Even when a low platform may not need a building permit.
In Toronto, a building permit is generally required when you construct a deck more than 60 cm / 24 in. above the adjacent finished grade. A permit may also be required when the deck forms part of a required exit, is attached to other work, includes structural changes, or is part of a porch, veranda, or larger renovation.
A low uncovered platform may not require a building permit if it is not more than 60 cm above grade, does not form part of a required exit, and complies with zoning. Even when a building permit is not required, zoning rules can still control setbacks, coverage, height, and location.
| Deck Situation | Permit Expectation | What to Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Deck More Than 60 cm (24 in.) Above Grade | A building permit is generally required. | Deck height, structural design, guards, stairs, attachment to the building, footings, and zoning setbacks. |
| Low Uncovered Platform Not More Than 60 cm Above Grade | A building permit may not be required. | Ensure it is not part of a required exit and that it complies with local zoning regulations. |
| Deck Attached to a Porch, Veranda, Addition, or Required Exit | A building permit may be required. | Exit access, structural attachment, guard and stair requirements, and zoning compliance. |
| Replacing or Enlarging an Existing Deck | Permit review is often required. | Whether the size, height, structure, stairs, guards, or building attachment are being modified. |
A strong deck permit package should make the deck location, height, structure, foundations, guards, stairs, and zoning relationship clear to the reviewer.
Acadia prepares deck drawings for municipal permit review, not just design sketches. The package focuses on the information reviewers need to understand location, height, structure, footings, guards, stairs, and code-related details.
Before drawings begin, Acadia reviews the deck height, size, attachment, stairs, guards, site conditions, and available documents so the permit package is based on the real project, not a generic template.
Important: Acadia prepares permit drawings and permit support documents. Municipal staff make the final permit decision. Acadia does not guarantee approval or replace municipal review.
As of January 1, 2026, the City of Toronto lists the building permit fee for Residential Decks, Porches, Carports as $214.79. Acadia’s design/drafting fee is separate from City permit fees.
| Fee Item | 2026 City of Toronto Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Decks, Porches, and Carports | $214.79 | Typical City of Toronto building permit fee category for residential deck, porch, and carport applications. |
| Minimum Building Permit Fee | $214.79 | Minimum permit fee charged under the City of Toronto building permit fee schedule. |
| Hourly Examination / Inspection Activities | $92.79 | May apply when additional plan examination or inspection services are required by the City. |
We confirm the address, deck height, size, attachment, stairs, guards, and whether the project is new, replacement, or enlargement.
We review the deck location, setbacks, lot coverage considerations, and any site plan/survey information available.
We review photos, measurements, door heights, grade relationship, and any existing deck or porch condition.
We prepare the site plan, deck plan, elevations/sections, footing details, framing details, guard details, and stair details.
We help organize the permit documents and support the submission package for municipal review.
If the reviewer requests revisions, we update the affected drawings and help respond clearly.
Project example:
Backyard raised deck with stairs and guards.
Permit issue:
The proposed deck height was above 60 cm, so the permit package needed to show the deck location, height above grade, guard details, stair details, framing, and footing information.
Drawing package:
Site plan, deck framing plan, footing details, stair details, guard details, and elevation/section showing height above grade.
Purpose:
Give the municipal reviewer enough information to assess the deck structure, safety details, and location without unnecessary back-and-forth.
Some deck projects need more than a basic deck plan because they affect structure, loading, zoning, drainage, exits, or another approval path. Tell us early if any of these apply.
Hot tubs, outdoor kitchens, masonry features, and heavy planters can require structural review because deck framing and footings must support the added load.
A roof, pergola, enclosure, or screened porch can change the permit scope and may require additional structural and zoning review.
Higher decks usually need clearer guard, stair, footing, post, beam, ledger, and load-path details.
Condo, townhouse, or shared-property projects may need property management, condo board, or shared-structure approval before permit submission.
Properties near protected trees, ravines, slopes, or regulated areas may need extra review before the deck location is finalized.
If the deck forms part of a required exit path, stairs, guards, landings, and door access need to be shown clearly.
Acadia supports deck permit drawing projects in Toronto and nearby GTA municipalities. Permit rules, fees, submission portals, zoning requirements, and review comments can vary by city, so the drawing package should be checked against the local municipality before submission.
For Toronto projects, the City resources linked below are useful starting points. For other GTA municipalities, Acadia can prepare the permit drawings and help identify the local submission requirements based on the project address.
No property lines, setbacks, deck dimensions, or relationship to the house and other structures.
The reviewer cannot confirm height above grade, guard requirements, or stair/landing requirements.
Footing size/depth, post spacing, beams, joists, ledgers, guards, and connections are not clearly shown.
Rise/run, handrails, guard height, openings, and attachment details are missing or unclear.
Setbacks, coverage, height, or location may need to be confirmed before approval.
Examiner comments may require revised drawings, extra details, or clearer notes before permit issuance.
Send us the address, photos, deck size, height above grade, and any survey or old drawings. We will review the scope and confirm what is needed for a permit-ready deck drawing package.
Usually, yes, if the deck is more than 60 cm / 24 in. above the adjacent finished grade. Toronto also lists porches, decks and attached additions as common projects that require permits. Some low uncovered platforms may not require a building permit, but they still need to comply with zoning.
A low uncovered platform may not need a building permit if it is not more than 60 cm above grade, does not form part of a required exit and complies with zoning. Because zoning still applies, it is best to confirm before building.
As of January 1, 2026, the City of Toronto lists the fee for Residential Decks, Porches and Carports as $214.79. Fees can change, and additional review or inspection fees may apply depending on the application.
A typical deck permit package includes a site plan, deck plan, footing details, framing details, stair details, guard details, elevations/sections, and required application forms.
Complete house-stream applications are generally reviewed within 10 business days. Some eligible projects may fall under an Express Services target, but approval timing depends on completeness, scope, and reviewer comments.
Some straightforward deck projects may not require engineer-sealed drawings, but engineering may be needed when the structure is unusual, loads are heavy, the deck is high, the connection to the house is complex, or the municipality requests engineered details. Acadia can flag when structural coordination may be needed.
A hot tub adds significant load, so the deck structure and footings need to be reviewed carefully. A permit and structural coordination may be required depending on the deck height, framing, support conditions, and municipality.
Acadia can prepare permit drawings and support documents, but the deck must still be built according to the issued permit, applicable code requirements, and required inspections. Homeowners should confirm inspection responsibilities and construction requirements with the municipality.
Send photos, measurements, the property address, and any City notice or order. Acadia can review what information is available and help determine whether drawings can be prepared for a permit, revision, or legalization path.
Yes. Send the examiner notice, submitted drawings, and City comments. Acadia can review what was flagged, revise the drawings, and help prepare the resubmission package.
Home renovations, additions, custom home builds and more. We help homeowners get their building permit fast with a complete set of drawings prepared in-house by our experts.
We work with restaurant owners, retail store owners, office managers and any other commercial owners to get their building permits approved fast and make their project reality.
We also specialize in working with all kinds of industrial properties, including distribution centres, warehouses and even grow houses that are sustainable and fully functional.
We work with contractors and builders to ensure any project goes smoothly and the building permits get approved fast. We provide a full range of construction management services.
