The Mid-West Planning District (MWPD) is responsible to ensure that submitted building plans and required drawings meet the Manitoba Building Code and Manitoba Plumbing Code. Residential Building Permits and Plumbing Permits are issued concurrently. Inspections are required according to the complexity of the plans submitted and are unique to the project.
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Deck FAQ
Q: Do I require a building permit for a deck?
Yes! A building permit is required for any deck which is higher than 200 mm (8 in.) above average ground level or ANY deck which will eventually support an enclosed structure with a roof such as a sun room, family room, etc.
See our policy 2-2023 Definitions of Landings, Patios, and Decks and our Deck Handout handout for detailed information.
Please note that shade structures (such as pergolas) that are built on, or attached to, a deck or building require a Building Permit.
Q: What if the deck is not attached to my house, do I still need a building permit?
Regardless of whether or not the deck is attached to the house or any other structure on the property, a building permit is required, as noted above.
Q: When building a deck, are overhead power supply conductors or Hydro meters a cause for concern?
YES! If you plan to build a deck beneath overhead power supply conductors, a minimum clearance of 3.5 m (11 ft. 6 in.) must be maintained between the deck surface and the conductors. If the deck is to be installed beneath a Hydro meter, it may be necessary to relocate the meter to maintain the proper meter height. For more information contact your local Manitoba Hydro District Operating Centre at the phone number listed on your Manitoba Hydro bill.
How to Apply for a Deck Building Permit
Building Permit applications for decks / ramps must include:
- Completed Building Permit Application.
- For uncovered decks, completed Residential Deck Info Form
- Detailed Site Plan
- One (1) easily-readable paper copy and one (1) legible PDF copy (if available) of plans that are 11” x 17” or smaller. If the deck has a roof then the plans must be signed and sealed by a Manitoba Licensed Professional Engineer (dated within one year of the complete application date).
- Deck drawings must include the following: one (1) top view drawing; one (1) side elevation drawing; and labeled with the following details: pad size, or, type of pilings or pier size (if using screw piles, list the Manufacturer, Length and Baring Capacity) as well as details regarding the attachment of the ledger board to the building and details of the roof attachment to the building (if any); height of deck from ground; beam size and spacing; joist size and spacing; cantilever measurements for beams and joists; decking material; guardrail height; location, width, handrails and guard details for the stairs; and details on latchable gate if the deck is next to the pool.
- Proof of property ownership. See our Application Documentation Policy.
- Letter of Authorization is required if you are applying on behalf of the landowner.
- Total Project value (i.e., final project costs including all material and labour).
- Permit Fees in accordance with the MWPD’s Fee Structure By-Law prior to permit issuance.
NOTE: In your application, please indicate any future intention of covering or enclosing the deck or placing a hot tub on it, as this will trigger different Building Code requirements.
When building a sunroom or adding a hot tub on an existing deck, MWPD requires a letter from a Manitoba Licensed Professional Engineer stating that the current structure is sufficient to support the new installation, or indicating any alterations that must be made in order to ensure compliance with Manitoba Building Code.
Electrical Permits are obtained through Manitoba Hydro.
If the proposed development is located adjacent to a Provincial Road or Highway, an additional permit may be required from the Province (Manitoba Infrastructure) when applying for a permit from the MWPD.
Please note that incomplete applications will not be processed.
INSPECTIONS & PENALTIES
Inspections
The Mid-West Planning District (MWPD) is to be notified at each of the following stages of construction, as applicable:
- Excavation & Footing / Pilings Prior to Concrete;
- Building Structure Framing
- Final - Landing, stairs, railings
PLEASE NOTE: A minimum of 24 Hours Notice is required when booking inspections (weekend not included);
- If the work is not ready for inspection or you need to cancel, please contact the MWPD office as soon as possible;
- It is the responsibility of the APPLICANT to arrange for all inspections.
- The MWPD assumes no responsibility for inspections that were not scheduled.
- Inspections may be performed at random as determined by the Building Inspector.
- This list is not all-inclusive. There may be additional inspections required at the discretion of the Building Inspector.
Penalties
The following are subject to Penalty Fees in accordance with the MWPD’s Fee Structure By-Law:
- Any Building, Structure or Land Use that is commenced prior to the appropriate permits being obtained.
- Where the work is not ready for the time of the scheduled inspection.
- Where project deficiencies result in repeated inspections by the inspector.
- Where the work has been covered and the inspector is unable to perform the required inspection. (this may also require invasive structural inspection at the applicant/contractor’s expense)