For the purpose of the by-law, a deck is defined as:

• Any surface intended for outdoor activities,
• A structure located more than 45 cm (18 in) in height from ground level

** if your installation is below 18 inches in height an excavation certificate of authorization may be required.

No deck shall be closer than:

• 2.0 m (6.6 ft) from any side property line
• 4.5 m (14.76 ft) from any rear property line
• 0 m (0 ft) from any dwelling

A deck shall not encroach in the minimum front setback.

In the case of a corner lot, if an above-ground pool encroaches in the minimum front setback, the deck may also encroach provided it is at least 3.0 m (9.8 ft) from the street right-of-way. 

Decks or platforms with a height below 60 cm (2 ft):

• Railings are not required

Decks or platforms with a height above 60 cm (2 ft) and below 1.82 m (6 ft):

• A railing of a minimum height of 90 cm (3 ft) is required.

Decks or platforms with a height above 1.82 m (6 ft):

• A railing of a minimum height of 1.07 m (3.5 ft) is required.

Staircases:

• One handrail is required for staircases with a width of 1.1 m (3.6 ft) or less
• Two handrails are required for staircases wider than 1.1 m (3.6 ft)

All properties must include a minimum of 25% of in-ground vegetation (e.g., grass, plants, or landscaped areas).

During any construction, excavation, or landscaping work for a driveway, all trees (public and private) must be protected according to the following provisions:

• Install a rigid protection fence with a minimum height of 1.2 m (4 ft), at a minimum distance of 1.2 m (4 ft) from the tree trunk. Chicken wire fences, snow fences, temporary construction fences, or other similar materials are prohibited.
• Use protective ground mats or plywood at least ¾ inch thick near trees, wherever vehicles circulate, or materials are stored.
• Trim exposed roots neatly in excavation areas and keep them moist throughout the duration of the work.
• Protect branches that may be damaged during the work.

The "Online Permit Management" platform allows citizens to submit a permit application online, track its status, and in many cases, pay the required fees and obtain the desired permit/certificate without having to go anywhere.

All you need are your plans and other required documents in digital format (photos of documents are not accepted) and a credit card. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To access the platform, you must first create a user account.

Online Permit Application

Your permit application can be submitted in person at Town Hall during regular business hours (17200 Hymus Boulevard, Kirkland).

To this end, we invite you to download and complete the permit application form, then submit it along with all required documents. Paper copies of the form are also available at City Hall.