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Decks, porches and balconies

If you’re planning to build a new porch, deck or balcony, there are general provisions that regulate the location and setbacks.

You can find the general provisions for encroachments and projections in Table 4.1.5 of the Zoning By-law.

The zoning of your property might have additional regulations such as lot coverage.

Review the general provisions, and then check the zoning regulations for your property using the find property information tool.

If something in the general provisions conflicts with the zoning regulations for your property, follow the zoning regulations.

Your project must meet zoning requirements, even if you don’t need to get a building permit.

Zoning information sheets

These information sheets may help you understand the by-law restrictions for a deck or porch.

Deck Information Sheet

Porch Information Sheet

Minimum setbacks to greenland zones

If your lot is next to land zoned as greenland, any new structures may have to be built farther away from your property lines.

Check the setback to greenland zones in subsection 4.1.8 of the Zoning By-law.

You can determine if your lot is next to a greenland zone by using the zoning information map.

Contact us

If you need more information, please call 311 (905-615-4311 outside City limits).

Disclaimer

The information presented on this web page is provided for information purposes only. It should not be solely relied on when making decisions related to real estate transactions, development proposals or building permits.

We strongly advise you review the text in the official Zoning By-law and/or speak with City staff before making important decisions.