Building an uncovered deck
When is a permit required?
Both a development permit and building permit are required if your deck will be higher than 2 ft. (0.60 m) off the ground. Height is measured from grade to the floor of the deck, see diagram.
Covered decks, sunrooms etc. are considered additions to the house and have different code and zoning requirements.
What you need to know
Deck guards
- Decks higher than 0.60 m (2 ft.) require a minimum guard height of 0.90 m (3 ft.)
- Decks higher than 1.8 m (6 ft.) require a minimum guard height of 1.07 m (3.5 ft.)
- Openings between guards shall be a size that prevents the passage of a spherical object of 100 mm (4 in.) in diameter
- Guards must be designed and constructed of materials that would not facilitate climbing between the areas of 0.1m (.3 ft) and 0.9m (3 ft.) above the floor of the deck. For example, lattice would not be an acceptable deck guard.
Positive drainage must be maintained under all decks to prevent any surface water from ponding under the deck (sloped away from the house).
Deck planks should be a minimum of 1 inch thick by 3.5 inches wide.
Acceptable deck foundations
Concrete pads: 2 ft. x 2 ft. with a minimum 4 in. thickness and a maximum spacing of 8 ft. on centre.
Concrete piles:
8 in. diametre x 8 ft. deep, spaced not more than 8 ft. on centre
10 in. diametre x 10 ft. deep, spaced not more than 10 ft. on centre
12 in. diamtre x 12 ft. deep, spaced not ore than 12 ft. on centre
("Pyramid blocks" are not an acceptable foundation on their own.)
The proximity of your deck to a property line is limited by your zoning. In most neighborhoods, a rear deck can be as close as 4 m (13 ft.) to the back property line and .6 m (2 ft.) from a side property line. Some exceptions apply such as corner lots abutting a street. Contact Planning and Development Services for further clarification.
Building regulations
- Guards are required for all decks greater than 0.6 m (2 ft.) in height.
- Minimum guard height is 0.90 m (3 ft.) for decks lower than 1.8 m (6 ft.) and 1.07 m (3.5 ft.) when the deck exceeds 1.8 m (6 ft.) in height.
- Guards must be designed so that no member, attachment, or opening located between 0.1m (0.3 ft.) and 0.9m (3 ft.) above the deck floor, protected by the guard, will facilitate climbing (ie. lattice)
- The openings in guards shall be of a size that prevents the passage of a spherical object of 100 mm (4 in.) in diameter.
- Cantilevers can not be more than two and a half times the depth of the beam or joist and are allowed up to a maximum of 0.6m(2ft)
For example:
2x6 construction: 2.5 x 6" = 15" maximum cantilever
2x8 construction: 2.5 x 8" = 20" maximum cantilever
2x10 construction: 2.5 x 10" = 24" maximum applies
2x12 construction: 2.5 x 12" = 24" maximum applies - Beams must be a minimum of 2-ply or 3-ply
*For more information please refer to our uncovered deck brochure or contact Planning & Development Services at 780-464-8080.
What to submit
- A completed development permit application form
- A completed building permit application form
- 2 (two) copies of a site plan showing
- Proposed location of the deck
- Distances to the property lines from the proposed deck
- Existing structures on the property
- Dimensions of the property and proposed deck
- Easements and utility rights-of-way
- 2 (two) copies of elevation drawings showing length, width, height of deck and rail. (see sample elevation drawing)
- A foundation plan which includes the diameter, depth & spacing of piles;direction, type, size & spacing of floor joists; direction, type & size of beams (see sample foundation plan)
- Current copy of title
- Fees (see current fee schedules)
Additional information may be required by a Development or Safety Codes Officer.
The submitted drawings do not have to be professionally drawn but must include all the required information and be legible to the satisfaction of the Development and Safety Codes Officer.
Additional information
- Covered decks, sunrooms or screened enclosures are treated as additions and will have different requirements than an uncovered deck. See building a covered or enclosed deck for information and regulations.
- Positive drainage must be maintained under all decks to prevent any surface water from ponding under the deck. You may be required to provide the County with a Lot Grading Certificate upon completion of your deck.
- Decks must be constructed within your property boundary.
- Decks cannot be located on or over an easement or right-of-way.
- Decks cannot be constructed over gas lines, a gas meter, and /or gas shut-off.
- Before constructing a deck call Alberta One-Call at (1-800-242-3447) for buried utility locations.
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The property owner must sign the development permit application form.
Further information
780-464-8080
PlanningandDevelopment@strathcona.ab.ca
Last updated: Thursday, February 02, 2012
Page ID: 2905