Decks & Porches
This checklist and sample drawings have been provided to assist in summarizing the typical requirements to obtain a building permit for a residential deck in the Town of Collingwood. Additional information may be required as needed depending on the application type and individual circumstances.
Drawings that are prepared by a qualified designer (as defined in the Ontario Building Code) must include:
- The qualified designer’s name
- The qualified designer’s registration number
- The qualification identification number of the qualified designer (Building Code Identification Number: BCIN)
- The qualified designer's signature
- The stamp or statement that the qualified designer has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities
Note: Property owners may prepare and submit drawings that follow the requirements outlined in the “drawing and specifications” section below.
This is the standard building permit application form for all building permits.
This form is to be used only where the Owner is not the Applicant.
This checklist summarizes the most common approvals required
- A detailed Site Plan showing the location of the proposed deck, setback from property lines and the height above ground.
- If your house is served by a private septic system, show all distances from the proposed deck.
- Detailed construction drawings, deck layout, elevations, cross sections and guard details.
- Manufactured guards and or guards with glass components will require the specifications to be stamped by a professional engineer licensed in Ontario.
The Residential Deck Construction Guide may be used in place of submitting drawings with a permit application, provided:
The proposed deck is for residential use only and is unenclosed with no roof;
No hot tubs, pergolas, gazebos, trellis or other roof structures are supported by the deck; and
The deck construction including guards and handrails are standard wood construction.
In many instances before a building permit application can be processed and a permit issued, there are approvals from other agencies that may be required. These approvals are not administered by Building Services. Please ensure all required approvals are complete prior to submitting your application using the Applicable Law Checklist:
CALL OR CLICK BEFORE YOU DIG
The law requires you to contact Ontario One Call to locate and mark underground pipes. Call 1-800-400-2255 or submit your request online. This 24/7 service is offered free of charge.
All gas, electrical and other services that may endanger persons who have access to a building or structure shall be shut off and disconnected before, and shall remain shut off and disconnected, during the demolition, dismantling, or moving of the building or structure in accordance to Section 214(3) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Use the Ontario One Call online locate form to locate underground infrastructure before you dig or call: 1-800-400-2255
Building Permit Fee: $131.10 flat fee
- Submit the complete permit application and all supporting documents using the Public Portal.
- You must register prior to using the Public Portal
- Follow the steps when completing your application.
- Credit card payment will be required to pay your fees
- When your application is successfully submitted through the Public Portal, Staff will complete a pre-screen of your application to review for completeness, compliance with the Building Code and Applicable Law. A status update will be sent via email within mandated timelines.
- You may also view the status under "My Items" on the Public Portal
- Application review comments are provided during review to identify any outstanding requirements and to summarize permit fees.
- Permit issued when review is complete and all fees are paid.
The Ontario Building Code turnaround timeframes for the first review of a complete application:
Complete Applications 10 Business Days
Incomplete Applications >15 Business Days
Factors Delaying Permit Processing Time
- Zoning review is completed by the Planning Services Division which is a required Applicable Law. This generally adds an additional 3-5 business days to permit processing time.
- Additional review may be necessary if revisions are requested by your Building Inspector due to incomplete, non-compliant, or unclear drawings.
- Incomplete drawings typically cause the majority of all delays in receiving your building permit. When planning your project, you should consider allocating additional time that may be required for yourself or your designer to revise drawings, and the Building Inspector to review your revised drawings for compliance. This could add several weeks or more depending on availability and complexity.
Some of the most common inspection deficiencies include:
- Notching of guard posts
- Use of improper, split or undersized pickets in guards
- Improper splicing of built up beams
- Cut ends of pressure treated lumber have not been treated with preservative
- Use of unauthorized materials or systems
- Site changes made to the deck design without authorization from Building Services Division
- Improper stair construction
- SB-7 Guard requirements not being followed
- Improper fasteners or hangers being used
- Beam or joist cantilevers in excess of maximums permitted in the Ontario Building Code
- Footing depth insufficient
- Foundation system installed does not match the reviewed permit drawings (ie: footing size changed)
Please DO NOT include any personal information on your Building Plans (e.g., the homeowner’s name or phone number). Building Plans submitted for Permit are subject to disclosure in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).