Deck / Patio Permit Guide

Quick Answer: You need a building permit if your deck's finished level is more than 60 cm (24 inches) above the ground, if it's attached to your house, or if it forms part of a required exit. The permit costs a flat $214.79 and qualifies for Toronto's Express Services — meaning a 3-business-day review. If your deck is an uncovered platform 60 cm or less above grade and not part of an exit, you're in the clear.

When You Need a Deck Permit in Toronto

Under the Ontario Building Code and Toronto's permit requirements, you must get a building permit for a deck if any of the following are true:

• The finished deck surface is more than 60 cm (24") above adjacent finished grade
• The deck is attached to your house
• The deck forms part of a required exit (e.g., a walkout from an upper floor)

That covers the vast majority of backyard decks in Toronto. If you're building anything more than a ground-level floating platform, assume you need a permit.

When You DON'T Need a Permit

You can skip the permit if all of these conditions are met:

• It's an uncovered platform (no roof structure)
• The finished level is 60 cm or less above the surrounding grade
• It doesn't form part of a required exit
• It complies with your property's zoning requirements (setbacks, lot coverage)

Even if you're exempt from a building permit, you still need to follow zoning bylaws. That means respecting setback distances from your property lines and not exceeding lot coverage limits.

Not sure where your project falls? Use our free permit checker to find out in under 2 minutes.

How Much Does a Deck Permit Cost in Toronto? (2026 Fees)

Good news — deck permits are among the cheapest permits you can get.

That's it. No per-square-metre calculation, no complicated formula. It's a flat fee regardless of whether your deck is 100 or 500 square feet.

Payment methods: Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex up to $20,000) or EFT/wire transfer. Toronto no longer accepts cheques or Interac e-Transfer.

Fees are set by the City of Toronto's 2026 fee schedule and include a 4% cost-of-living increase effective January 1, 2026.

How Long Does a Deck Permit Take?

Deck permits qualify for Toronto's Express Services program, which targets a 3-business-day review after intake.

Here's the realistic timeline:

If there are minor deficiencies in your application, the examiner will contact you to resolve them. Major deficiencies mean your application gets cancelled and you'll need to resubmit — so it pays to get it right the first time.

How to Apply for a Deck Permit in Toronto

Step 1: Check Your Zoning

Before you even think about drawings, verify your property's zoning allows what you're planning. Key things to check:

• Setbacks from front, rear, and side property lines
• Lot coverage limits (your deck adds to total lot coverage)
• Whether you're in a heritage district (if so, Express Services won't apply)
• Whether your property is in a TRCA-regulated area (conservation authority permit may also be required)

Step 2: Prepare Your Drawings

For a deck permit, you'll typically need:

• Site plan showing the deck's location on your property, with dimensions and setbacks
• Construction drawings showing structural details (footings, beams, joists, posts)
• Railing/guard details if the deck is more than 60 cm above grade (minimum 36" high guard required under OBC Section 9.8)
• Ledger board attachment details if attached to the house

Step 3: Submit Online

Deck permits are submitted through Toronto's online portal for Express Services. You'll need:

• Completed Application to Construct or Demolish form (as of February 16, 2026, the updated form is required)
• Your drawings as PDFs
• Property owner authorization if someone else is submitting on your behalf

Step 4: Wait for Review

The examiner reviews your application within 3 business days. If approved, you'll receive a payment request. Pay promptly and your permit is typically issued within 1 business day.

Step 5: Build and Get Inspected

Once you have your permit, build according to the approved drawings. You'll need to call for inspections at key stages — typically footings/foundations and a final inspection.

Don't want to deal with the paperwork? Let us handle your deck permit application — we submit on your behalf as your authorized agent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring setback requirements. Your deck can't go right to the property line. Zoning bylaws specify minimum distances, and they're different for front, rear, and side yards.

2. Forgetting about lot coverage. In Toronto, there's a maximum percentage of your lot that can be covered by structures. Your deck counts. If you're already close to the limit, a large deck could put you over.

3. Not checking if it's a required exit. If your deck provides the only means of exit from a door (especially on upper floors), it triggers additional fire code requirements and always needs a permit.

4. Building in a TRCA-regulated area without a conservation permit. If your property is near a ravine, river, or other regulated area, you may need a separate permit from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

5. Building without a permit at all. The penalty is a surcharge of 50% of the permit fee (minimum $214.79, maximum $29,456.99). Plus you could face a stop-work order, have to tear down work, and face fines up to $50,000 under the Ontario Building Code Act. Learn more about penalties.

What Happens If You Build a Deck Without a Permit?

This is the part people don't want to hear. If you build without a permit and get caught:

• Stop-work order — all construction stops immediately
• 50% surcharge on top of regular permit fees
• You may have to tear down completed work so inspectors can verify structural integrity
• Insurance issues — your home insurance may deny claims related to unpermitted work
• Resale problems — buyer's lawyers pull permit records, and missing permits can kill deals or reduce your sale price
• Provincial fines up to $50,000 for a first offence under the Building Code Act

For a $214.79 permit, it's simply not worth the risk.

FAQ

How high can I build a deck without a permit in Toronto?

Your deck's finished surface must be 60 cm (24 inches) or less above the adjacent finished grade to be exempt. It must also be uncovered, not form part of a required exit, and comply with zoning.

Do I need a permit for a ground-level deck in Toronto?

Usually not, as long as the finished level is 60 cm or less above grade and it meets the other exemption criteria. However, you still need to follow zoning setback and lot coverage requirements.

How long does it take to get a deck permit in Toronto?

Deck permits go through Express Services with a 3-business-day review target. Realistically, expect your permit in hand within 1–2 weeks from submission.

Can someone else apply for a deck permit on my behalf?

Yes. Toronto allows authorized agents to submit permit applications for property owners. You'll need to sign an Owner's Authorization form. This is exactly what PermitEasy does for you.

Do I need railings on my deck?

If your deck is more than 60 cm above grade, the Ontario Building Code (Section 9.8) requires guards (railings) at least 36 inches (900 mm) high with openings no larger than 4 inches.

Ready to Get Your Deck Permit?

Skip the paperwork and let PermitEasy handle it. Check if you need a permit in under 2 minutes, or start your application and we'll submit everything to the City of Toronto on your behalf — typically within 48 hours.

All fees and requirements current as of January 1, 2026. Source: City of Toronto Building Permit Fees and Toronto Deck & Porch Permit Guide.