Integrated Services - Building Division
Decks, Porches
A Homeowners Guide For The Construction Of Unenclosed, Uncovered Decks And Unenclosed, Roofed Decks (Porches)
This brochure is intended as a guide only to assist the public with understanding the processes in place.
We have attempted to be as accurate as possible in providing the information, however we do not guarantee or assume liability for its correctness.
The complete current By-laws of the City of Welland will take precedent over the general information provided in this brochure.
January 2012
When planning to construct a porch or a deck, this guide will assist you the Homeowner, when a Permit is required and what is required for the Building Permit Application and any Zoning Regulations governing the construction of these structures.
Common Questions and Information:
- Definitions as per City of Welland Zoning By-law 2667 and 1538 (Crowland)
- When and Why a Permit is Required
- It Is The Responsibility Of The Homeowner To Ensure A Permit Is Obtained Prior To Any Construction Of these Structures
- Building By-law 2005-91, as amended
- Applying for a Permit
- Required Drawings
- Standard Drawings
- What to do when waiting for the Permit to be Issued
- What to do when the Permit has been Issued
For more information contact:
The City of Welland
Integrated Services
Building Division
60 East Main Street
Welland, Ontario
L3B 3X4
Telephone: (905) 735-1700
Fax: (905) 735-8772
Definitions As Per City Of Welland Zoning By-Law 2667 And 1538 (Crowland)
Decks: An uncovered, unenclosed structure used as an exterior walking surface with a minimum height above grade of 0.25 metres (10”) which may incorporate a guard (railing).
Decks shall be located outside the front yard, with a minimum setback of 1.2m (3’-11”) from any lot line. The walking surface of the deck shall not exceed 1.5m (4’-11”) above grade and the maximum height of a deck including a guard (railing) shall not exceed 2.6m (8’-6”) above grade.
Porch: A roofed, unenclosed structure attached to, and forming part of the main building adjacent to a door providing direct access to the building.
When And Why A Permit Is Required
In general a Building Permit is required for all Decks and Porches (as defined above) regardless of size.
Uncovered decks less than 600mm (24”) above ground do not require a Building Permit provided the deck is not serving as the principal entrance to a building, but must still comply with the City of Welland Zoning By-laws. Covered decks/porches always require a Building Permit.
Building Permits are necessary to ensure Zoning requirements, compliance with the Ontario Building Code for structural and safety standards and to comply with any other applicable Provincial and Municipal regulations.
It Is The Responsibility Of The Homeowner To Ensure A Permit Is Obtained Prior To Any Construction Of These Structures.
Constructing or altering a structure without a Permit can result in numerous problems including:
- complaints from neighbors
- not conforming with the Building Code
- difficulty selling the property
- putting yourself at liability should a injury occur to someone (visiting your property) as a result of a structure not conforming to the Building Code
- extra cost in having to reconstruct the structure according to Zoning By-law and Building Code
- insurance protection nullification
- increased Permit fees (minimum $133.00 extra charge)
- possible demolition of structure.
- possible ticket fine - $400.00
- possible Court fine - maximum $50,000.00 first offence if convicted.
Applying For A Permit
Applications for a Building Permit are available at the City of Welland Integrated Services - Building Division or downloaded at the City of Welland web site.
With the submission of an Application you will be required to submit two (2) copies of detailed construction drawings and the required Building Permit fees. If you require assistance to develop these drawings, sample and standard drawings are available for your use along with the current fee schedules at the City of Welland Integrated Services - Building Division.
Building Permits may be applied for by a property Owner, or by an Agent on behalf of the Owner, such as the Contractor or Designer.
Required Drawings
As mentioned above, two (2) complete copies of detailed drawings are required with the submission of an Application.
A complete detailed site plan showing the following:
- north arrow
- scale
- legal description - lot and plan numbers
- easements
- street names
- lot dimensions
- setbacks to all property lines for the existing dwelling and the proposed deck or porch
- information for all existing buildings and structure such as size and location
- size and height dimensions
- material used along with size and spacing
- beams and posts size and spacing
- concrete piers size, depth and spacing
- roof framing (if applicable) - trusses or rafter size and spacing
- construction of stairs and guards (railings)
- anchoring and fastening details
- concrete slab or footing details - size, thickness and reinforcement
- normally construction drawings for decks/porches will include as a minimum a floor framing plan, a roof framing plan (if covered) and at least one cross section.
Guards/Railings:
- required for any deck or platform 2’ from grade or higher to prevent falling
- special construction requirements for strength
- restrictions on openings - maximum 4” space
- restrictions on climbablity - ornate or horizontal components not permitted between 4” and 2’-11” above walking surface.
The original drawings must be submitted to scale and fully dimensioned in either metric or imperial units with the appropriate information shown as noted above.
Standard Drawings
City of Welland Standard Drawings entitled “Site Plan” (X01), “Covered Wood Deck” (X09 - X12) and Toronto Area Standard Drawings entitled “Wood Deck” (D01a, D01b, D01c, D01d) are available for use by Applicants for wood decks. The drawings are available at the Integrated Services or can be downloaded from our web site. You may mark up the drawings prior to submission. If you are proposing a deck of such a shape or construction not described in these drawings, you must have your own drawings prepared.
What To Do When Waiting For The Permit To Be Issued
Once you have submitted your Application you must wait for the Permit to be issued. You do not have a Permit at this point. We will review all Applications in order of submission as quickly as we can. We are aware of the importance to you in obtaining the Permit quickly. Please make yourself available at the telephone number listed during the review process to ensure we can contact you should we require clarification of something.
What To Do When The Permit Has Been Issued
Once you receive your Permit, please read the approved Permit documents thoroughly before commencing construction. The construction must be in accordance with the approved plans and documents issued with your Permit. Any changes during or before construction must be noted to the Building Division and a Change Requisition form must be filled out and approved accordingly.
Several inspections are also required during construction to ensure that all work is done in accordance with the approved plans:
- prior to pouring any concrete for piers or footings
- framing inspection
- final inspection
Failure to schedule, will result in not being permitted to occupy or use deck/porch and may also result in uncovering the work.
For inspection call 905-735-1700, Extension 2257 or 2251 City of Welland Integrated Services - Building Division.
Please have your Permit Number ready when scheduling an inspection.
If you have any further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the City of Welland Integrated Services - Building Division between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 905-735-1700 and someone would be happy to answer any question.
© 2012 The Corporation of The City of Welland
60 East Main Street, Welland, Ontario L3B 3X4 (905) 735-1700
Business Hours - Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm