Alberta Building Code For Decks
Elia Khensamphanh
A new deck can be a great addition to your house and may make for a nice DIY project, but navigating your local building codes can make it not so beginner-friendly. Your project has to meet certain deck building codes to ensure your family and property are safe, and to maintain local property regulations.
From the height of your deck to how you install your deck stairs, local building regulations vary. Check in with your local building authority and apply for all necessary building permits before you begin your project.
Building codes can be localized, as a beachfront home in California has very different needs than a Midwest cabin in the woods. One of your first stops should be your local building authority for specific guidelines and permits.
Many of the attached-decking guidelines apply to freestanding decks, but there are some specific guidelines to know before choosing a platform deck. Always consult your local code requirements before construction.
These details can vary based on your location, so check with your local building codes and consider what elements may impact your deck, like exposure to salt water or extremely dry climates. This may impact your choice of fasteners or deck design, but the chart below will provide a good overview of substructure building guidelines.
Create a picture-perfect outdoor sanctuary with TimberTech ! With proprietary color-cascading technology, you can enjoy the most realistic wood look with natural color blending!? Come by today to check out our color collection and find what best fits your backyard vision! #Azek #decking
It is getting close to Porch Sitting weather!!! These outdoor spaces are from our 2019 southernlivingmag Showcase Home. I think it looks as current today as it did 5 years ago when we built it. Builder hatcliffconstruction Architect sailerdesign Windows themarvinbrand Flooring timbertech Pavers belgardoutdoorliving southerncreationslandscaping Paint sherwinwilliams High Reflective White & Oyster WhitePhotos houses_solomon_shoots
Refine your space with the balanced hues of Slate Gray decking from the TimberTech Advanced Polymer Harvest Collection. Elegant finish with white Premier Rail from the Classic Composite Series. -europe.com/products/decking/azek-harvest#HarvestCollection #TimberTech #deckInspiration
Thinking of developing your basement? Adding a shed? Most developments require both a development permit and a construction permit. Before you begin a major project, check what permits you need, and what documents you must provide.
The Alberta Building Code regulates techniques and materials used in building construction, the occupancy and the use of buildings and equipment to safeguard the health and safety of building occupants.
A deck permit is required if your deck is over 2 ft. high or does not meet the City of Spruce Grove setback requirements. Deck construction regulations can be found in the Alberta Building Code and Section 53 (page 78) of the Land Use Bylaw.
In some cases, you may be replacing the demolished structure with a new structure. If so, you don't need a demolition permit. You can include demolition details on your development or construction permit application instead.
Detached garages are separate from the principal building and therefore must comply with regulations described in Section 53 of the Land Use Bylaw and pictured in the provided template.
Building permits deal with structural stability of buildings and the health and safety of the building's occupants. Development permits deal primarily with a development's impact on surrounding properties. New construction requires both a building permit and a development permit.
The application will require the contractor name, master electrician/journeyman name and phone number, and all relevant information for each permit. This includes the area, cost of installation, number of fixtures or number of outlets.
Yes, the contractor information is required with the application and the contractor must hold a valid business licence. The cost of installation is also required at the time of the permit application.
The builder can track the status of all trades permits up to occupancy, monitor the outcome of all inspections and expiry dates, and has the flexibility to pay fees themselves or request the contractor pay fees.
The building codes are the same throughout the province of Alberta. The national building codes are adopted by the Province and become the Alberta Edition (National Building Code 2023-Alberta Edition).
The Alberta Building Code regulates techniques and materials used in building construction, the occupancy and the use of buildings and equipment to safeguard the health and safety of building occupants. The Building Permit allows for an inspection of the existing building to ensure the building meets the health and safety regulations of the Alberta Building Code.
Building Permits are required to meet the applicable updated code. Projects that have submitted a Development Permit prior to May 1, 2024 can adhere to the previous code version. Development Permits applied for after May 1, 2024 will be subject to the newest code requirements.
Under the Safety Codes Act, you are required to obtain a building permit before beginning work on buildings covered by relevant codes. This includes the Alberta Building and Fire Codes, the Canadian Electrical Code, the Gas Codes and the National Plumbing Code.
If you are planning work, there may be additional, specific circumstances to consider. We encourage you to contact Permits and Inspections to discuss your project before beginning any work. For quick reference, refer to the lists below for what work does and does not require a permit.
The City of Lacombe is an accredited municipality in the administration of the Safety Codes Act. The Act requires that all contractors and homeowners obtain permits prior to commencing work on buildings covered by various codes and regulations.
Every city will have different building code requirements for decks and other outdoor structures. In the City of Edmonton, the sides of a deck must be protected by a railing when the deck is more than 24 inches high. Railings is required on all sides of the deck that not built against a wall. You will also need a railing if the ground within 4 feet of the deck is sloping away from the deck at a rate steeper than 30 degrees. These requirements are put in place to prevent fall hazards.
The city also requires railings to be at least 1.07 metres high. Measure from the surface of the deck to the top of the guardrail. They can be 0.9 metres high if the deck is lower than 1.8 metres. To keep everyone safe, especially kids, the railings cannot be climbable. That means keeping them between 6-36 inches above the walking surface.
You also need to watch the spacing between railings. The railings need to be 4 inches apart or less. This spacing will keep a 4-inch diameter sphere from passing through. The biggest concern here is a pet or child putting their head through the railing and getting hurt, or worse.
Railings and handrails are also required on staircases on your deck. Build gaurds on edges that are not up against a wall and that have more than three risers. The guards also need to be 0.9 metres high measured from the nosing of the step. Handrails must be smooth and easy to grab, and a specific distance away from a wall. Stair railings have the same code requirements as regular deck railings.
If your deck is 24 inches high, or less than that, you still might want to have a railing installed on your deck regardless of building code requirements. If you have small children who will be using the deck, or pets, you might want a railing to ensure their safety. It also means you can let them be on the deck without worrying about them getting out of the yard and wandering off.
A deck railing can also provide privacy for your deck. If your neighbours can easily see into your yard, or you live near a busy street with lots of foot or vehicle traffic, a deck railing can help provide much-needed privacy. Homeowners in these situations might opt for a privacy wall on one side of the deck, with a regular railing installed around the rest of the perimeter.
If you live in a windy area, or your yard is exposed, you might want to consider having a wind wall installed with your railing. A well-designed wind wall system can keep you protected from the wind and sun while enjoying time on the deck. There are many design options for wind wall systems.
If you already have an older deck, it might be time to update the railing. Are there any loose or rotten rails? Is the railing still doing its job keeping deck occupants safe? Is it becoming an eyesore? If you need to replace a deck railing, consider an aluminum railing. Aluminum is an attractive, versatile, railing option that can improve safety and aesthetics. Whether your deck is wood, vinyl, or composite, an aluminum railing is an excellent choice for a railing replacement. You can purchase aluminum railings for a DIY project, or have a professional deck company like Alberta Vinyl Decking and Railing install it for you.
Adding a new railing to your deck will improve curb appeal and add a competitive edge for your property. Whether you need a railing to meet building code requirements, enhance safety, function, or style, it will have a good return on investment when it comes time to sell your home. Potential buyers will appreciate the outdoor living space and the fact that it is ready for them to enjoy.
Protect yourself from fraud and poor rated Businesses. If a business has been accredited by BBB, it means BBB has determined that the business meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB Accredited Business pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.Click on the BBB link to see our ratings or any other businesses.
All listed companies have been pre-screened and are continually monitored on 7 important criteria to provide you with legitimate, ethical and trustworthy businesses. Only those that pass our rigorous pre-screening process and are deemed to be one of the best in the industry will be RenovationFind accredited.Click on the RenovationFind link to see our ratings.
4a15465005