The beautiful season is upon us and you dream of lounging on the deck in your own backyard. Summer is so short in our region that it is better to make the most of it. If you want to build a deck in your yard or if you must repair the deck in your home, you may be wondering if you require building permits to do this kind of work. To renovate or replace projecting elements, you must obviously comply with the bylaws of your municipality and in some cases, obtain a permit. The following article will answer some of your questions related to the construction and repair of terraces, balconies, porches and decks.
Maintenance and minor repairs
In most cases, no permit is required to maintain or repair a terrace, balcony, porch or deck. However, if you choose to use materials other than the original ones for the repairs, it is important to notify the city and obtain the proper locates. It is better to do this before purchasing the materials and if doing any kind of digging to avoid unpleasant surprises. Each city has its own regulations and bylaws and you would not want to have to dismantle work that you have just completed.
Construction, modification and replacement
Before building, enlarging, modifying or replacing a terrace, a balcony, a deck or a porch, you must obtain a permit before starting the work, with rare exceptions. Several things must be checked and respected such as the distance between your construction and the limits of the property, the dimensions of the structure, the height at which the floor is in relation to the ground, the height of the guardrail, the spacing and the orientation of the bars, the type of screen and materials authorized, the number of balconies per facade, the size and number of windows under the structure, etc.
In most cases, you do not need a permit to build a terrace, a balcony, a porch or a deck whose height is less than 60 cm or 24 inches and is above the ground. Otherwise, you must provide a plan with elevations and sections drawn to scale and provide all the information necessary to analyze your project and verify compliance with applicable municipal regulations. If the work takes place in a condominium, you will need a letter of authorization from each of the co-owners or a resolution from the syndicate of co-ownership.
In any case, before starting work on your home, get information from the city or a competent construction company who will be able to guide you through the different steps to take to allow you to obtain the deck of your dreams for your home.
