Deck, Porch & Pergola Permit Drawings

It depends on the structure and the applicable municipal and Ontario Building Code requirements. A deck or porch that is attached to a house, elevated above grade, or supported by a foundation will often require a building permit. Pergolas and other accessory structures may have different requirements depending on their size, construction, location, and whether they are attached to the dwelling. Zoning requirements must also be checked.

Depending on the project, a permit drawing package may include a site plan, proposed deck or porch plan, elevations, sections, foundation or footing details, guard and handrail information, stairs, structural framing details, dimensions, and applicable Ontario Building Code information. The drawings are prepared based on the proposed structure and the requirements of the municipality reviewing the application.

Decks, porches, and exterior stairs must comply with applicable requirements for items such as stair dimensions, landings, guards, handrails, openings, structural capacity, and attachment to the building. The exact requirements depend on the configuration and height of the proposed structure. These details should be addressed in the permit drawings rather than treated as a standard one-size-fits-all design.

Yes. Existing conditions can be documented and the proposed changes can be incorporated into a permit drawing package where a permit is required. The existing structure, attachment, stairs, guards, setbacks, and other relevant conditions should be reviewed before determining what needs to be modified or reconstructed.

Tell us about your project, location, and what you’re planning to build or change. We’ll review the details and let you know the appropriate next steps.