Deck

PERMIT APPLICATION BUILDER: Deck

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In order to adequately and efficiently process a building and development permit application, the following information is required to be submitted electronically to the municipal office (some offices may accept paper submissions).

The applicant is required to check every box and initial where required to indicate that they fully understand what information is required for a complete application, and all components of building a deck. Failure to check any boxes or sign below will result in the application being tabled until all information is received. If the applicant does not understand the questions being asked, a qualified contractor or designer is required. CCASK cannot be a design resource for owners / applicants.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION / DESCRIPTION

(All specified information listed under each box is required to be submitted; checking the box indicates you have included this information).

RESOURCES / WORKSHEETS / HELPFUL INFORMATION

1. Permit Application

Ensure all contact info including email address is provided. Ensure to include Civic Address along with Lot, Block, and Plan, or Legal Land Location when not located in a subdivision.

Provided by municipal office, or CCASK online application where acceptable to the municipality.

2. Site Plan

Show size and location of the house and the shape, size and location of the proposed deck. SAMPLE SITE PLAN Construction Detail

3. Construction Details

Fill out and submit the Deck ‘fill-in-the-blanks worksheet.

4. Compliance Verification Initials:

  • All posts are to be supported on appropriate concrete pad/block supported on flat, level, compacted surfaces (decks higher than 72” above grade or where supporting roofs require piles).
  • Posts shall support the full width of beams and shall have lateral bracing if more than 24” to underside of joists (knee bracing, mechanical bracket, or similar; toe-nailing is not adequate).
  • The ledger board must be secured to the house with lag bolts (GRK or similar), 1 bolt every 16” or 2 bolts every 32”.
  • All beam and joist spans are required to comply with the requirements of the NBC span tables, or similar reference documentation such as the Canadian Wood Council. The construction of a built-up beam is complex and includes very specific nailing requirements and allowable joint locations, and if I don’t know this, I need to learn how to build one.
  • Stair riser heights must all be the same and no more than 7-7/8”. Tread dimensions must all be the same and no less than 10”, and retail stringers (metal or pre-cut wood) may make it extremely difficult to create uniform riser heights.
  • A handrail is required on one side of my stairs if I have more than 3 risers. A flat 2x6 or 5/4x6 is not graspable and cannot be used as a handrail. A flat 2x4 is acceptable, but other smaller material and handrail-specific products are better, especially for elderly or young people.
  • A guard is required on my stairs, deck, or landing if the height is more than 24” above adjacent ground or surface. Guards shall be no less than 36” high (42” high when deck is more than 72” high). Guards are required to have openings between components (spindles, glass sections, cables, etc.) no more than 4”.

Initialing each construction detail is required for an accelerated permit application and puts onus the applicant
for compliance which will be reviewed on site.

FAQ'S

Professionally designed and sealed drawings, or drawings with professional engineer design review and seal, are required for the following conditions:

  • When the municipality bylaw requires all foundations to be designed by a professional (engineer or architect)
  • When any proposed structural components do not comply with the NBC requirements and span tables

ADDITIONAL REFERENCE MATERIAL

HOW TO BUILD A BUILT-UP WOOD BEAM:

CANADIAN WOOD COUNCIL: RESIDENTIAL EXTERIOR WOOD DECK SPAN GUIDE

SCREW PILES: