In most cases, you need to apply for a permit before beginning construction on a deck in Winnipeg. In this article, we’re going to discuss:
The City of Winnipeg has clear rules on when deck permits are required. There are two types of permits that you may need to obtain: Development permits and building permits.
You will need to obtain a development permit if your deck:
You will need to obtain a building permit if:
This means that most deck projects require both a development permit and a building permit before construction can begin. You should also note that even if your deck does not meet any of the conditions we just described, you may still need permits; for example, anyone planning on building a deck in their front yard should call the Permits Direct Line (204-986-5140), as decks are typically not permitted in front yards.
Several other factors affect where and how a deck can be built; for example, a deck may need to be built at least 7.5 m (25 ft) from your property line. By obtaining both development and building permits, you can ensure that all aspects of your deck-building project meet the city’s requirements.
Homeowners who are planning to build structures on their decks (like sunrooms) should include the plans for those structures, as they will require a permit, and those permits will be contingent on your deck meeting certain standards. The same is true for decks where lighting, hot tubs, or other electrical features are planned - electrical permits may be required.
Permits exist to protect both people and property. By applying for a permit before you start building, you give the City a chance to review your plans and ensure that they are up to code - and that they don’t violate your neighbour’s property rights or infringe on City-owned land.
When a deck is built without a permit, the City may require you to obtain one afterwards; obtaining permits after a deck has been built can be more expensive than obtaining them beforehand. A deck that does not meet permitting requirements must be dismantled at the cost of the homeowner.
Decks that are over 3.4 m2 (36 sq ft) in size or 60 cm (2 ft) above ground level require permits in Winnipeg; both a development permit and a building permit are needed for decks of these sizes. Decks of this size are not uncommon, which is one of the reasons that many decks in Winnipeg need permits.
Both attached and freestanding decks in Winnipeg may require a permit, though the approval process can be different for the two different styles of decks. Regardless of whether your deck is attached or freestanding, it must comply with the National Building Code.
Decks with stairs almost always require permits, because they are almost always over 60 cm (2 ft) above ground level. Sections of your deck that are more than 60 cm above ground level will also require guardrails, and your stairs will need handrails if they have more than three risers (the vertical sections of a step).
There are several other structural details to keep in mind when building a deck; the distance between deck beams, the size of posts and how they should be anchored, the locations of pads, piers, and piles, and many other structural elements all impact whether or not a permit will be granted.
We design decks and acquire permits so you don’t have to worry about these details, but if you want to learn more about how decks must be constructed, we recommend reading the City of Winnipeg Decks PDF.
You can apply for a development permit and a building permit simultaneously. To apply for permits, you will need:
With over 15 years of experience and over 1000 successfully completed projects, homeowners in Winnipeg choose KMA for deck building because they’ve seen the quality of our work, and they put their trust in our extensive deck-building knowledge.
Our team will ensure that your deck meets permitting requirements; we’ll tell you well in advance if we believe that a project will require you to apply for a zoning variance. Once the permits are obtained, we work quickly and efficiently to get your deck built, so you can enjoy spending your summer days outdoors with friends and family.
Looking for Winnipeg deck builders? Call KMA Building today for a consultation.
Almost all decks need a permit in Winnipeg; decks under 3.4 m2 (36 sq ft) and 60 cm (2 ft) are typically considered platforms, not decks (though you may still need a permit for those platforms if, for example, they are not level with the main floor entrance or they are in your front yard).
You can, but you shouldn’t. A deck built without a permit may need to be torn down, and you’ll still need to go through the permitting process even if the deck stays up.
You will need:
This may not be an exhaustive list; check with the City of Winnipeg to ensure that you have all of the permitting materials you need.
Absolutely; you must submit the materials being used with your permits, and those materials must be compliant with the Building Code for your permit to be approved.
