Kitchener • Ontario Building Code

Kitchener Deck Permit Checklist

When you need a permit, what drawings to include, and the setbacks that decide where your deck can go.

Got your drawings ready? Run a free pre-check →

Do you need a permit?

In Kitchener you need a building permit for a deck or porch that is 24 inches (0.6 m) or more above the ground at any point. Lower, ground-level decks usually don't need one, but zoning still applies.

About 80% of Kitchener properties fall under Zoning By-law 2019-051 and the rest under the older By-law 85-1. Confirm which one applies to your address before you rely on a setback number.

What to include

Application for a Permit to Construct or DemolishRequired

The provincial form. Kitchener takes applications through its online service portal.

Schedule 1 (Designer Information)Required

Identifies the designer and their BCIN. Homeowners may design their own deck, but the form still records who did.

Site planRequired

The deck's dimensions and its distance to the property lines, plus other structures like a shed or pool.

Plan viewRequired

Posts, floor joists, beams, stairs, and landings.

Side view (elevation)Required

The height of the deck and the guard.

Kitchener publishes standard deck layout and span-table drawings you can follow. See the official resources below.

Kitchener zoning and local rules

Under By-law 2019-051, a deck 0.6 m or lower can sit anywhere in the required rear yard. A deck higher than 0.6 m has to be at least 4 m from the rear lot line and meet the side-yard setbacks. Confirm your RES zone and setbacks on the city zoning map.

Footings have to reach below the frost line, and a covered structure has to be designed for the local snow load. If your lot is in a Grand River Conservation Authority regulated area (near a river, wetland, or floodplain), you may need a separate GRCA permit as well.

What gets packages returned

!Site plan missing the deck's setbacks to the lot lines

!A raised deck drawn closer than 4 m to the rear lot line

!No guard height or opening size when the deck is over 0.6 m

!Beam and joist sizes not stated, so spans can't be checked

!Drawings with no scale, or scanned so the dimensions blur out

!Using a setback from the wrong by-law (2019-051 vs 85-1)

Official Kitchener resources

Building permits Residential building permits Standard details and guides Building permit fees Zoning by-law and map 2024 Ontario Building Code

Check your package before Kitchener does

Upload your deck drawings and get a pre-check report in a couple of minutes, against Kitchener's published requirements.

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This checklist is for information only and is based on publicly available City of Kitchener requirements, which can change. Always confirm with kitchener.ca.