Decks and Porches

Approvals from other agencies are often required before a building permit can be processed and issued. The building department does not administer these approvals. The fastest way to obtain a building permit is to ensure that all other required approvals are completed before the permit application.

An Applicable Law Checklist is required as part of a complete application. Agency contacts are included with this form. Our community mapping has many of these layers mapped to help you determine if additional approvals are required for your application.

Zoning Requirements

Finding the zoning associated with your property is easy with our GIS Community Web Map; position your property and turn on the zoning layer by clicking layer list, planning, and zoning.

You will need to provide a plot plan for zoning review. Refer to Norfolk County Zoning Bylaw. This plot plan needs to include the following:

• Property lines and lot dimensions,
• Location of building and all other structures on the lot,
• Location of all steps and landing,
• Distance from dwelling to property lines
• Parking spots with dimensions,
• Location of septic systems

A planning application will be required if your proposed building or structure does not comply with the zoning requirements. Zoning and Planning approval is required as part of a complete permit 
application. 

• Contact the Planning Department at planning@norfolkcounty.ca or 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 1842
• Contact the Zoning Department at zoning@norfolkcounty.ca or 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 1000

Zoning Requirments Overview

A deck or unenclosed porch means a structure at the front, side or rear of a building may be attached or detached from the main building and may be covered by a roof with or without supporting columns, provided the deck or porch remains unenclosed by walls, windows or screening.

Setbacks for decks located just above the finished grade on the floor of the first storey of the main building must comply with the setback requirements of Norfolk County Zoning By-Law 1-Z-2014(3.6).

Decks that are located above the first floor of the first storey of a building are considered balconies. For the setbacks for balconies, refer to Norfolk Zoning By-Law 1-Z-2014 3.10(d).

Decks and porches are considered in lot coverage only when lot coverage is applicable in that specific zone. Norfolk County Zoning By-Law 1-Z-2014 (2.79).

If you are on a private septic system, the following setbacks apply;

• The minimum clearance for treatment units (septic tanks) is 1.5 meters from any structure.
• The minimum clearance for distribution piping (tile bed) is 5.0 meters from any structure.

Lot Grading

Under Norfolk County Grading and Drainage By-law, proposed grading plans and lot grading forms shall be submitted with all building permit applications.

Decks built on piers without a roof are exempt from the lot grading by-law.

Proposed grading plans need to identify:

• All surface features;
• existing and proposed structures;
• changes in grade and slopes in percent between such changes, and
• include sufficient information regarding adjacent properties to confirm conformance with this By-Law with respect to drainage onto those properties.

An exemption may be considered for a lot in a rural area (complete form, fee applies)

A building permit application consists of several documents. The forms must be completed, signed, and dated. 

As the property owner, you can complete the design yourself or have a qualified individual with a BCIN number in the House, an Architect, or a Professional Engineer complete the drawings. 

Drawings must be legible and to scale. Complete them using a ruler or computer-aided drafting (CAD) software. Provide enough information and detail to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code.

Building Department staff, by law, are not permitted to provide design advice. It is the responsibility of the property owner or authorized agent to complete a design that meets the requirements of the Ontario Building Code and the Building Code Act (BCA) 

If you cannot complete the application, you should retain a qualified designer to assist you. 

Building Permit - Application Checklist

Completed Forms 

• Building Permit Application Form.
• Schedule 1: Designer Information.
• Applicant Authorization Form, if the property owner does not complete the application.
• Applicable Law Checklist and supporting documents. 
• Lot grading form (if applicable).

Required Documents 

• Plot Plan:
  • Property lines and lot dimensions,
  • Location of deck and all other structures on the lot,
  • Distance from deck to property lines,
  • Location of septic systems, tank and tile bed area.
• Lot Grading Plan (if applicable).
• Drawing of the deck including: 
  • Footing, foundations, anchorage,
    • deck blocks, provide manufacture specifications,
    • piers,
    • posts with footings
    • connect to the existing building
    • helical piers, provide engineering and CCMC or BMEC reports.
  • Deck framing
    • Joist sizing and spacing,
    • beam sizing and spacing,
    • post sizes and spacing,
    • height of the deck from grade,
    • width and length of the deck,
    • the direction of decking boards, and the material used.
  • Guard details: decks over 23 5/8” (600mm) above grade require a guard.
    
    • Guard height and how guards are attached to the deck,
    • Wood guards and handrails to conform to OBC SB-7.
  • Location of stairs & landings.
    • Stair rise and run,
    • Dimension of stair and landings,
    • Handrail height and location.

Fees

• Building Permit fee,
• Lot grading exemption fee (if applicable).

Online

• Visit the Norfolk CityView Permits Portal and make your application online 

In Person

Visit our service counter located at 12 Gilbertson Dr., Simcoe, Ontario.

Please call or email ahead and make an appointment. Our Permit Coordinators will review your application and provide in writing any missing items and a cost breakdown for the permit fees and payment options.

A Building Inspector will contact you in writing if there are building code concerns or missing information from your application.

A building permit is issued once all documentation has been received, fees are paid in full, and your plans are checked for compliance zoning by-law and the building code.

Once you have obtained a building permit, a building inspector needs to attend your site at several milestones in the construction process. Read more about inspections.

Once all inspections are complete and passed your permit is closed.