Constructing a new deck or renovating an existing one on your property requires permits and inspections to ensure it complies with provincial and municipal regulations. Decks 24" or higher off the ground must meet specific structural, handrail and guardrail requirements.
Process
Before submitting your permit application, review the specific requirements for each permit and ensure all required plans, documents, and forms are complete. Required documents include:
Homeowner deck application
Fire safety plan
Deck design form
You must obtain all required permits before starting work, and approval times may vary based on application volume.
We will review your application to confirm it meets provincial and municipal regulation, and you can track its status and submit payments through the online permitting portal.
You can schedule your inspection by submitting a request through the permitting portal. Please include a phone number or site contact in the request. Once the inspection is booked, you can refer to the portal for the confirmed date. The confirmed inspection date may differ from the requested date due to inspector availability. No specific inspection times are guaranteed.
A minimum of one inspection is require for a deck:
Final building inspection (deck is complete with all guards, handrails and stairs installed)
These inspections ensure that all work completed is compliant with provincial and municipal regulations. Once complete, a PDF copy of the inspection report will be sent to the email on file. Any questions or concerns can be emailed to safety.codes@cochrane.ca.
Once the inspections are completed and compliant, your permits will be closed. Project related documents are retained permanently.
Application
See application below. Once filled out, submit the application and supporting documents to safety.codes@cochrane.ca.
