Decks
Do I need a permit for building a deck?
Anyone building a new deck, replacing or adding onto an existing deck needs to obtain a building permit. Other permits may also be required.
Exception: A deck less than two feet above finished grade does not require a permit.
An inspection also required once the deck is complete. Call 403-948-8833.
What do you need?
When applying for a deck permit, you will need to turn in a 
Permit Application Form Schedule “C” (cost estimate sheet), two copies of your to scale Site Plan (Real Property Report), payment and two sets of deck plans.
Site Plans need to be scaled and show:
1. Dimensions from property lines and the location of the proposed buildings
2. The similarly dimensioned location of every adjacent existing building on the property
3. Existing and finished ground levels
Construction Plans must be drawn on a scale of not less than 1:100 or legibly drawn showing the following:
• A side elevation that shows the height of the deck, height of the railing with spindle/pickets spacing, concrete columns and stairs if applicable.
• Floor joist type and spacing
• Size and type of deck planking
• Size of deck (length, width, height)
• Size of beams and number of piles
• Size and spacing of columns
• Type of columns and spacing
• Guard
• Handrails
• Stairs (rise and run)
• Type of foundation
Please allow 10 working days to process permits.
Permit Application Form
Sample Deck Plan (outlined details required)
Requirements
1. Decks over 2 feet (600mm) above grade have setback requirements. Please contact the Planning & Development for specific information: 403-948-8848.
2. The width or diameter of a wood column cannot be less than the width of the beam being supported. Typically a minimum 6” x 6” preserved wood or treated column is required.
3. A handrail must be provided for stairs with more than three steps.
4. Guards are required for decks over 2 feet high. If the deck floor is 2’ to 5’ 11” above ground level, guards must be a minimum of 36” (900mm) high. If the deck floor is over 5’ 11” (1.8m) above ground, level guards must be 42”
(1072mm) high.
5. Deck bench brackets have special requirements. Please call 403-948-8832 for information.
6. Guards around decks must be designed so no toe-space between 4” (100mm) and 36” (900mm) above the deck floor. This is a safety precaution, preventing anyone from climbing the guard (e.g. lattice, horizontal rails, and attached seats).
7. Foundation support columns for attached decks must penetrate the frost level the same depth as the building or a minimum of 4 feet. Exception: When the distance from finished ground to the underside of the joists is not more than 600 mm (2 ft), not supporting a roof and not attached to another structure, unless it can be demonstrated that differential movement will not adversely affect the performance of that structure.
8. Other conditions may apply once a full plan review is completed by the Safety Codes Officer.
Contractor Information
If you are having your deck constructed by a contractor, you will need to provide the name of your contractor who will be working on your project.
• Contractors must be licensed with the City of Airdrie.
• Contractors performing plumbing, gas and electrical work must hold a valid certificate to perform work.
(The above information will be required prior to permit issuance)
Sample Plot Plan
This Plot Plan is an example. Plot plans provided to the Building Inspections Department must be drawn to scale and be accompanied with your permit.
Please show all buidling dimensions, distances from property lines and to other buildings .
If you are unable to draw a scaled plot plan, a copy of your Real Property Report can be used as the plot plan. Please show your scale additions on this plan, for example the deck, garage and additions.
Please Call for Information
Building Permit Inquiries: 403-948-8832
Inspection Requests: 403-948-8833
City Inspectors:
Building/Heating Ventilation, Electrical, Gas & Plumbing: 403-948-8832
Fax: 403-948-8834
Email: building.inspections@airdrie.ca
Office Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm