What Deck Permit Drawings Cost in Ottawa
$399 to $2,500 per set of permit drawings
Published prices from 3 drafting and design firms, read September 2026. Not a quote. Reviewed 2026-09-30. How we set these ranges
Published prices for deck permit drawings run about $399 to $2,500 per set, read in September 2026 from three drafting and design firms. One of them lists engineering, where needed, separately.
What to know
The City asks for a site plan (the deck dimensioned to other buildings, property lines and any septic system), a foundation and framing plan (footings or helical piles, joists, beams, posts and decking with size, spacing, direction and span, the connection to the house, and the stairs) and elevations (the height of the walking surface above grade, footing depth where applicable, stair rise and run, and guards). Schedule 1 names who took design responsibility: a BCIN designer, an architect, an engineer, or the homeowner, who may take design responsibility for a house they own. The exemption does not cover estates, tenants or numbered companies, or a building with more than two dwelling units.
Ottawa rules that apply
In Ottawa a deck needs a building permit, whatever its size, when it is attached to or next to the house and its walking surface is more than 600 mm (24 in.) above the adjacent grade, and when it is an elevated deck providing principal access to the house. A freestanding deck needs one when its walking surface is both over 10 square metres and more than 600 mm above grade. The City's fee is $12.75 per $1,000 or part thereof of the construction value, with a $117 minimum, and the City values the work. For applications deemed complete on or after March 11, 2026, Ottawa applies both Zoning By-law 2008-250 and By-law 2026-50, with the most restrictive provisions applying, so confirm the setbacks for your lot with the City.
What a fair quote includes
- The site plan, foundation and framing plan, and elevations
- Schedule 1 signed by the designer
- Engineering, where Ontario requires it, or a line saying it is extra
- The CCMC or BMEC report for non-lumber decking
Ask before you sign
- Whether engineering is included if the lot needs Section 4.2 design
- Who submits the application through My ServiceOttawa
Questions
Can I draw my own deck plans for an Ottawa permit?
Yes, for a house you own: the City explains that the Building Code lets a homeowner take design responsibility for their own house. The drawings still have to be scaled and fully dimensioned.
Deck IQ answers behind this page
Service: Deck Design & Permit Drawings
Other deck costs
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