Regulations

• Can be built up to both the side and rear property lines

Required Permits

• No permits are required for patios. 

Covered Patios

• Only a Building Permit is required.
• Any type of cover on a ground level patio may project one half of the minimum side yard requirement for the property's zone.

Regulations

Side Yard Setbacks

• Minimum distance from a side property line can range from 0.35m (1'2") to 0.6m (2') depending on the zoning of your property. Use the 'Zoning' layer on the Interactive City Map to find your zone. 
• A deck on a duplex or townhouse can go up to the shared property line. 

Rear Yard Setbacks

• An unenclosed porch, deck, or barrier-free ramp must not project more than 3.0m over the minimum rear yard setback. 

Required Permits

• A Development Permit is only required if a variance to the bylaw is requested
  (example to be 4.0m from rear property line, rather than the required 4.5m)

Covered Decks

• Only a Building Permit is required

Enclosed Decks

• A Development Permit is required
• A Building Permit is required

Regulations

Side Yard Setbacks

• The minimum distance from a side property line can range depending on the zoning of your property. Use the 'Zoning ' layer on the Interactive City Map to find your zone. 
• A deck on a duplex can be built to the shared property line

Rear Yard Setbacks

• The minimum distance from a rear property line is 4.5m (14'7")

Required Permits

• A Building Permit
• A Development Permit is only required if a variance to the bylaw is requested
  (example to be 4.0m from rear property line, rather than the required 4.5m)

Covered Decks

• Only a Building Permit is required.

If your project requires a Development Permit, it is to ensure that the project you are proposing complies with the Zoning Bylaw in regards to placement, size and height. 

Can I build larger than what the bylaw allows?

You can request a variance to any Zoning Bylaw regulations. You will need to explain why you are asking for the variance, and what makes your site unique that a variance should be considered.

How long does it take to process?

Note: During building season (April 1 - October 31), processing times may take longer due to the number of applications that are submitted during this time.

Due to legislated timelines set out in the Municipal Government Act (MGA), Development Officers have 20 days from the receipt of an application to deem it complete or incomplete. Failure to submit a complete application will lead to delays in the approval and issuance of your permit.

In most cases, it will take 5-7 business days for review and decision once an application is deemed complete. Depending on the size or location of the proposed building, consultation with neighbouring landowners may be required. If this is the case for your build, the timeline for review is extended by approximately three weeks.

If your project requires a variance to regulations in the Zoning Bylaw, there is a 21-day appeal period which must be advertised before the permit can be issued, if approved.

What are the fees?

Please refer to 'Schedule A' of the Development Permit Fee Bylaw to find the fees associated with the Development Permit.

A Building Permit is required to review the safety components of building a deck, ensuring it is constructed in accordance with the National Building Code, Alberta edition, and is safe for you to use.

How long does it take to process?

Note: During building season (April 1 - October 31), processing times may take longer, due to the number of applications that are submitted during this time.

In most cases, it will take 7-10 business days to review and issue. The Building Permit cannot be issued until the Development Permit has been issued, if it applies.

What are the fees?

The fees are subject to change on May 1 of each year to be in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). 

Please refer to Schedule A for current fees:  Safety Codes Fee Schedule (pdf)

The Safety Codes Permit Bylaw 3551.2015.pdf will have information pertaining to a Building Permit for your project type.

A homeowner or licensed contractor can submit permit applications. If you are not the owner of the property, you will need to include a Letter of Authorization with the application package.

If you are a contractor requiring a City of Red Deer Business Licence, please visit our Licensing page to obtain a licence before submitting your permit applications.

Applications can be submitted through the City's online portal: MyPermits

Watch a step-by-step video guide of the application process. 

Before submitting your permit applications, prepare digital copies of the required plans and documents for your submission.

TIP: Match the names of your plans and documents to those on the requirement list(s).  

Review the respective requirements list and forms for each permit, as it applies to your project.

Development Permit

• Development Permit Application Requirement List: Residential (pdf)
• Letter of Authorization (pdf)
• Letter of Intent (pdf)

Building Permit

• Building Permit Application Requirement List: Decks (pdf)
• Letter of Authorization (pdf)
• Letter of Intent (pdf)
• Uncovered Deck Detail Sheet (pdf)

Examples

If you are unsure of anything on the application requirement list, we have provided example applications to help you out.

• Building Permit Application - Deck EXAMPLE (pdf)

Following the instructions below, use MyPermits and ProjectDox to submit the applicable permit applications for your project.  

Note, each permit and its requirements have to be submitted separately.

Step 1: Enter permit and project information through MyPermits, by clicking the tile below.
(This step will be completed TWICE if both permit types are required for your project; once for the Development Permit application and again for the Building Permit application). 

Step 2: You'll receive an email with instructions on how to upload and submit your required documents to ProjectDox, The City's online plan submission system.

• An instructional email will be sent with each permit application (Development and Building)
• Emails may end up in your junk/spam mail folder. Please add @reddeer.ca as an allowable sender to make sure you are receiving our emails.

Step 3: After you've have submitted your permit applications, keep an eye on your email. Notifications will be sent as your permits progress through their respective reviews. 

Once we receive your complete permit applications, the Development Officer and the Building Safety Codes Officer will conduct a review of the permits, ensuring the proposed development complies with the Zoning Bylaw and Safety Codes Act.

You will receive email notifications throughout the application process, including:

• If we need more information;
• When payment is required;
• When the permit is issued.

Good to know

Emails from The City of Red Deer may end up in your junk or spam mail folder. Please add @reddeer.ca as an allowable sender to make sure you are receiving emails related to your project.

What inspections will I need?

The required inspections are determined when the Safety Codes Officer reviews your application, and will be listed on the Safety Codes Building Permit when it is approved and issued.

When can I schedule an inspection?

Once your Safety Codes Building Permit has been approved and issued, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule an inspection.

How do I know the outcome of my inspection(s)?

You will receive an email notification informing you of the outcome of each inspection.