Building a Deck

If your deck is higher than 0.6 metres above finished grade, you will need to obtain both development and building permits.

There are many choices to make when you build a deck. Do you build a multi-level, raised, or basic deck? What kind of materials should you use?

Regardless of your choices, you need to become familiar with the City's building regulations before building a deck.

Do you require a permit?

The City of St. Albert regulates decks on residential properties. You do not require a permit if the deck is 0.6 metres (two feet) or less above the finished grade.  If your deck is higher than 0.6 metres above the finished grade, you must obtain both a development permit and a building permit.

Where should the deck be located?

All decks, regardless of their height, must meet the setback requirements outlined in the Land Use Bylaw. 

Decks less than 0.60 metres above the finished grade may be built up to the side and rear property lines. 

A rear yard deck between 0.60 metres to 1.50 metres in height must be located at least 1.00 metres from the side and 3.00 metres from the rear property lines. In some cases, the deck may be allowed closer to the rear property line, depending on the adjacent use.

If the deck is more than 1.50 metres in height above grade, it must be set back at least 5.00 metres from the side and rear property lines. A Development Officer may reduce this requirement if it is determined that the 5.00 metres setback is not required due to site conditions and the deck meets the setbacks of the principal building.

Any deck built within a front yard must meet the required front yard setback of the home.

Please note that covered decks are considered an addition to the dwelling and are subject to Land Use Bylaw requirements governing houses. .

Need More Information?

You can obtain more information about building a deck by accessing Land Use Bylaw

Application Checklist

To receive a timely decision on your application, please ensure that your application is clear, legible and accurate. If any part of your application is missing, unreadable or inaccurate, your application will be deemed incomplete, and a decision will not be rendered.

Your application must include

1. Download and Complete the:
   Building / Development Permit Application Form
2. Payment of required fees as per Master Rates Bylaw  Please note that these rates may change without notice
3. Two (2) copies of a site plan in metric (minimum scale 1:100) showing:
   • Easements
   • Utility rights-of-way
   • Foundation outline of dwelling with the proposed deck outlined, including existing cantilevers, decks, and other necessary structures
   • dimensions of the deck
   • height of the deck
4. Two (2) copies of elevation drawings (minimum scale 1:100) showing:
   • the exterior of the proposed deck, including railings, stairs and finishing materials, such as wood
   • dimensioned height from grade on all elevations

Each site plan or elevation plan should include the address, legal description, and contact information.

The development authority may require additional material necessary to properly evaluate the proposed development.   In most cases, an application is deemed complete if the material outlined is provided.

Resources

Deck Development Permit Brochure

Deck Building Permit Brochure

Development Applications & Forms

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