Deck permits · North Vancouver, BC
Do you need a permit for a deck in North Vancouver?
It depends which North Vancouver. The District exempts decks under 600 mm and small detached decks; the City publishes no deck threshold.
What the rules say
North Vancouver's deck permit rules
District of North Vancouver: its deck guide says decks less than 2 ft (600 mm) high and detached decks less than 108 sq ft (10 m²) do not require a permit, and 'A building permit is required for a deck higher than 2 ft. (600 mm) that is attached to a house' (detached decks higher than 2 ft also need one). City of North Vancouver: no deck-specific threshold is published; its Construction Regulation Bylaw requires a permit for construction of a structure 'except a structure having an area not exceeding 10m²', and the City publishes a deck permit checklist.
Covered decks and roofs
District: attached decks higher than 2 ft (600 mm) count toward Building Coverage, and attached decks higher than 6'-6" (1981 mm) count toward Floor Space Ratio; roofs are not addressed. City: the deck checklist asks for roof slope if the deck is covered and for lot coverage calculations; no separate rule is stated.
Other local rules worth knowing
District: detached decks are sited as accessory structures and attached decks as part of the principal building, and the guide cites BCBC 2024 guard heights of 900 mm (36 in) over 2 ft and 1070 mm (42 in) over 6 ft. City: the checklist (rev. August 2025) requires vented deck details for decks over living space and may require P.Eng sign-off on framing.
Official sources
District of North Vancouver City of North VancouverRules and fees change. Always confirm with the municipality before you build.
Before you apply
What a North Vancouver deck permit usually involves
- A site plan showing the deck, property lines and setbacks
- Drawings: foundation or footing plan, framing plan, cross-section and elevation
- Guard and stair details
- Engineering for high, covered or unusual decks
- Lot coverage or floor area numbers where zoning needs them
- Inspections during the build, usually footings and framing, then final
A general guide. North Vancouver may ask for more or less depending on the project.
Questions
North Vancouver deck permit questions
Do I need a permit for a deck in North Vancouver?
It depends which North Vancouver. The District exempts decks under 600 mm and small detached decks; the City publishes no deck threshold.
Do covered decks need a permit in North Vancouver?
District: attached decks higher than 2 ft (600 mm) count toward Building Coverage, and attached decks higher than 6'-6" (1981 mm) count toward Floor Space Ratio; roofs are not addressed. City: the deck checklist asks for roof slope if the deck is covered and for lot coverage calculations; no separate rule is stated.
Who applies for a deck permit in North Vancouver?
Usually your deck builder prepares the drawings, applies and books inspections as part of the job. Check that the permit, drawings and any engineering are included in each quote.
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