Constructing a new or replacement deck is considered DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY under the Conservation Authorities Act and Ontario Regulation 41/24, and a permit will be required if the deck is proposed within a TRCA Regulated Area.
Why You Need to Apply for a Permit
Under the Conservation Authorities Act and Ontario Regulation 41/24, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) regulates and may prohibit work from taking place within or near valley and stream corridors, wetlands, and the Lake Ontario shoreline.
If your property is regulated, you must apply for a permit from TRCA prior to carrying out any new development activity.
The Permit Process
- Pre-consultation with TRCA staff.
- Make a complete TRCA Permit Application submission.
- Your application is assigned to the appropriate Planner.
- The assigned Planner reviews the application and determines whether it is complete. You will then be notified via email of the status.
- Once the application is deemed complete (including the application fee), the Planner will begin their review and schedule a site visit. If additional technical review is required, your application will also be circulated to TRCA technical staff.
- Once the Planner has completed the site visit, their initial review, and has received technical comments from technical staff, an initial set of comments will be provided to you. Additional studies or a revised submission may be required.
- Once the revised submission is received, the Planner will circulate any required studies and drawings to the appropriate technical staff.
- Once all technical comments have been addressed, and the Planner has confirmed the proposal complies with applicable TRCA Living City Policies, then the Planner will process the TRCA permit for approval.
Note: If your property is within the City of Toronto, please also make the necessary submission to the City’s Ravine and Natural Feature Protection (RNFP) staff concurrently for any tree injuries or removals as a result of the proposed development or construction. LEARN MORE.
Please note that the Conservation Authorities Act and Ontario Regulation 41/24 are “applicable law”, i.e. your municipality cannot legally issue a building permit until a TRCA permit or clearance has been obtained.
Submission Requirements
- Application Form (see above) — all signatures required
- Lot Survey
- Site Grading and Landscaping Plan overlaid on Lot Survey showing:
- Existing top of slope if the property backs onto the ravine. TRCA will confirm the existing top of slope location and this line may be adjusted as per a site visit by TRCA staff. A study may be required to locate the stable top of slope.
- Proposed deck location including stairs and dimensions.
- Any associated at-grade patios.
- Setback dimension from the top of slope (or stable top of slope where applicable) to the proposed deck and at-grade patio (if applicable).
- Height of deck above existing grade.
- Location of temporary erosion and sediment control fencing to be installed during construction to prevent construction debris from entering the ravine, or the municipal sewer.
- Deck Elevations
- Permit Fee: See below for details.
*Please be advised that additional technical information (eg. geotechnical slope stability assessment, structural engineering letter with stamped drawings) may be required once staff have carried out an initial review and a site visit (if applicable).
Fees
Your appropriate fee will be determined by a TRCA Planner depending on the application category as per the TRCA Permit Fee Schedule. Please contact your Planner for method of payment.
