Land titles

A land title document is a legal record that follows any property bought and sold in Alberta.

It plays a key role in obtaining development approval as it indicates a property’s ownership, legal description, and any registered documents—or “instruments”—against it (e.g., mortgages, utility plans, easements, and liens). It’s important for a property owner to respect any limitations or restrictions listed on the land title. Some instruments registered against the property may have requirements to abide by, which could limit development on the property.

Instruments, such as your mortgage or liens against the property, are not required as part of your development submission to Planning & Design.  A copy of your land title and its associated instruments may be requested through a registry agent or the Alberta Registries Spatial Information System (SPIN2). Alternatively, the Planning & Design department can access these documents on your behalf for a nominal fee as part of the application process.

Foundations

For covered decks

Covered structures are required to carry their weight and snow load, and prevent against wind uplift. Acceptable foundations include:

• Pier/post on pad footing, at least 1.2 metres (48") below grade
• Strip footings
• Engineered cast in place concrete piles (friction piles)
• Engineered screw piles

For uncovered decks

Decks with a standing platform exactly 0.9 metres (36") or less in height may be supported with a combined concrete pier and sidewalk block on grade.

Decks with a standing platform greater than 0.9 metres (36") in height must be supported on either:

• Pier/post on pad footing, at least 1.2 metres (48") below grade
• Engineered concrete piles
• Engineered screw piles

Guards and handrails

Guards are not required if :

• The standing platform measures less than 0.6 metres (24") in height from adjacent grade

Guards are required if:

• The standing platform measures between 0.6 metres (24") and 1.8 metres (71") in height. Guards must be at least 0.9 metres (36")
• The standing platform measures greater than 1.8 metres (71") in height. Guards must be at least 1.1 metres (42")

The maximum space allowed between balusters is 0.1 metres (4").

Handrails are required when a staircase exceeds more than three (3) risers, regardless of height.

Joists and decking materials

The selected deck walking surface influences the deck floor frame construction, as walking surface materials have different tolerances.

• Lumber less than 1.5" thick may be supported on joists spaced up to 16" apart
• Lumber 1.5" thick may be supported on joists spaced up to 24" apart

Manufactured decking made of composite materials, PVC, fibre-reinforced materials, liquid membrane coatings, sheet goods or similar products are becoming more popular. Be sure to obtain documentation from your material supplier, which may include:

• An evaluation report from the Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC)
• Testing reports
• Engineer-stamped drawings by an engineer in Alberta
• Specifications demonstrating Code compliance of the manufactured decking material

Items to prepare before applying

In order to have your project approved, you'll need to include plans and drawings in your permit application.

Use the Uncovered Deck Template (linked above) to map out your drawings, then submit them with your online application.

Site plan

A site plan is required for development permit review. It is preferably drawn on a copy of a real property report, plot plan, or graph paper.

The document must show the entire existing property and include:

• A north arrow
• Property address
• Corresponding streets and avenues
• Dimensions of property lines
• Location, dimensions, and setbacks of the proposed deck and other existing structures

Elevation plan

An elevation plan shows the height of the proposed structure from a side view.

Design plan

A design plan is a top-down view of the proposed structure that shows every aspect. For decks, this would include decking materials, joists, beams, spans, spacing, and sizing.

Cross-section

A cross-section depicts the proposed structure from the side, as if it was cut vertically in half.

Changing or cancelling an application

In the event your project plans change at any point in the approval process, reach out to us as soon as possible to have your new plans reviewed. Additional fees or reimbursements may apply depending on the scope of your revisions.

For building permit cancellations, applicants may receive a reimbursement.

• If an application is cancelled before a building permit is issued, the City will retain:
  • The safety codes levy
  • The minimum building permit fee ($110)
• If an application is cancelled after a building permit is issued, the City will retain:
  • The safety codes levy
  • Half the building permit fee OR the minimum building permit fee, whichever is greater

Changes and cancellations must be completed by phone, email, or in person.

Contact Planning & Design at planninganddesign@lethbridge.ca or 403-320-3920.

Is your project taking longer than anticipated?

Uncontrollable factors like inclement weather can greatly impact the progress of an outdoor construction project.

Applicants can request a building permit extension. Depending on the nature of the request, there may be additional fees involved.

Contact Planning & Design at planninganddesign@lethbridge.ca or 403-320-3920.

Why do you need an inspection?

Inspections confirm that your completed work meets safety standards, and inspectors can assist if you encounter problems with your project.

Remember: Any work completed on your home is ultimately the owner's responsibility. If you're working with a contractor, setting your expectations at the beginning of the project in a written contract is a good way to protect yourself.