Do i need a development permit from the city or just a building permit for a deck addition in Dieppe?

In Dieppe, you'll likely need both a development permit and a building permit for a new deck — they're separate approvals issued by the City.

The development permit comes first and confirms your deck complies with Dieppe's zoning bylaw — things like setbacks from property lines, lot coverage limits, and whether the structure is permitted in your zone. Once that's approved, the building permit covers the structural side: footings, framing, ledger attachment, and guardrail requirements under the National Building Code of Canada 2020 (now in effect for new applications as of May 1, 2025).

Dieppe's Urban Planning department handles both — reach them at (506) 877-7900 or through dieppe.ca. It's worth calling ahead because the thresholds matter: a small ground-level platform under a certain size may be exempt from one or both permits, but an attached deck over 600mm (about 24 inches) above grade almost certainly triggers both. Decks attached to the house also affect the building envelope, which adds another layer of scrutiny.

On the structural side, the NBC 2020 requirements for decks are specific. Footings must extend below the frost line — in the Moncton/Dieppe area that's a minimum of 1.2 metres (4 feet), though many inspectors want to see 1.4–1.5m to be safe given NB's freeze-thaw cycles. Guardrails are required on any deck more than 600mm above grade and must be at least 1,070mm (42 inches) high with balusters spaced no more than 100mm apart. The ledger-to-house connection is one of the most scrutinized details — improper ledger attachment is a leading cause of deck collapses.

Cost-wise, expect Dieppe permit fees to run roughly $150–$400 depending on the deck's value and square footage. The permits are a small fraction of what a deck costs — a pressure-treated deck in the Dieppe/Moncton area typically runs $180–$280 per square foot installed, depending on size, height, and features like stairs or built-in seating. Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech) adds another $40–$80/sq ft over pressure-treated lumber.

One practical tip: have your contractor or a designer sketch out the deck with dimensions and setback measurements before you call the city. Dieppe's planning staff can give you a much faster answer when you come with a site plan showing where the deck sits relative to your property lines and the house. Most residential lots in Dieppe's newer subdivisions have rear yard setback requirements of around 1.5–3 metres for accessory structures, but your specific lot and zone will determine the exact rules.

You can find licensed deck contractors serving the Dieppe area through the New Brunswick Construction Network directory.