Deck permits · Vancouver, BC
Do you need a permit for a deck in Vancouver?
Usually yes. The City of Vancouver lists building or altering a deck as work that generally needs a permit, with no height exemption stated.
What the rules say
Vancouver's deck permit rules
The City of Vancouver's 'When you need a permit' page lists 'Building or altering a garage, shed, or deck' among work that generally requires a permit. No height or size exemption for decks is stated, and decks are not in the list of projects that don't need a permit.
Covered decks and roofs
The City's zoning bulletin for R1-1, RT and RM districts states 'Deck areas under cantilevered roofs, allowable roof eaves, or balconies are not counted in floor area.' Deck area above the district's maximum exclusion counts toward floor space ratio.
Other local rules worth knowing
The same bulletin states 'Decks are generally not permitted to project into any required yards, unless otherwise permitted in a district schedule,' and treats patios more than 600 mm (2.0 ft) above grade as decks. Vancouver uses its own Vancouver Building By-law rather than the BC Building Code, and its RS-zone deck checklist requires a sealed structural Schedule B where structural work is included.
Official source
Vancouver building permitsRules and fees change. Always confirm with the municipality before you build.
Before you apply
What a Vancouver deck permit usually involves
- A site plan showing the deck, property lines and setbacks
- Drawings: foundation or footing plan, framing plan, cross-section and elevation
- Guard and stair details
- Engineering for high, covered or unusual decks
- Lot coverage or floor area numbers where zoning needs them
- Inspections during the build, usually footings and framing, then final
A general guide. Vancouver may ask for more or less depending on the project.
Questions
Vancouver deck permit questions
Do I need a permit for a deck in Vancouver?
Usually yes. The City of Vancouver lists building or altering a deck as work that generally needs a permit, with no height exemption stated.
Do covered decks need a permit in Vancouver?
The City's zoning bulletin for R1-1, RT and RM districts states 'Deck areas under cantilevered roofs, allowable roof eaves, or balconies are not counted in floor area.' Deck area above the district's maximum exclusion counts toward floor space ratio.
Who applies for a deck permit in Vancouver?
Usually your deck builder prepares the drawings, applies and books inspections as part of the job. Check that the permit, drawings and any engineering are included in each quote.
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