Apply for a deck permit in Ottawa
When do I need an Ottawa deck permit and how do I apply?
Ottawa requires a permit for an attached or adjacent deck over 600 mm above adjacent grade, any elevated deck providing principal building access, or an independent deck both over 10 m² and over 600 mm above adjacent grade.
Application steps
- Confirm the deck’s height, area, connection and access role; check property setbacks with a Development Information Officer.
- Prepare scaled plans and the required application documents.
- Register for Building, Planning and Land Development through My ServiceOttawa; submit the application, documents and payment.
- Follow the issued permit’s inspection requirements and keep approved plans available on site.
Before you open the official service
- Site plan and scaled structural drawings
- Property details and My ServiceOttawa account
Keep your actual documents and account details off this website. Use the official service’s current checklist before applying.
What to check for your situation
Permit thresholds do not establish zoning compliance. The older checklist’s submission instructions predate the current online portal.
Fees, processing times and document rules can change. This page helps you navigate; it does not confirm eligibility or replace the government’s instructions.
Official sources
ottawa.ca · Official websiteCity of Ottawa — DecksOttawa requires a permit for an attached or adjacent deck over 600 mm above adjacent grade, any elevated deck providing principal building access, or an independent deck both over 10 m² and over 600 mm above adjacent grade. Confirm the deck’s height, area, connection and access role; check property setbacks with a Development Information Officer. Prepare scaled plans and the required application documents. Permit thresholds do not establish zoning compliance. The older checklist’s submission instructions predate the current online portal.Checked 
engage.ottawa.ca · Official websiteCity of Ottawa — How to Apply OnlineThe portal accepts applications, plans, payments and inspection requests. Register for Building, Planning and Land Development through My ServiceOttawa; submit the application, documents and payment. Follow the issued permit’s inspection requirements and keep approved plans available on site.Checked
Prepared by Active K Digital from the linked public guidance. Read our source approach.