How do I get a permit for building a deck, and how do I know if it's up to code?

Building a deck in New Brunswick almost always requires a permit, and the process is more straightforward than most homeowners expect. Here's what you need to know to get it right.

Getting Your Permit

The first step is figuring out who issues your permit — and that depends entirely on where you live. If you're in an incorporated municipality like Moncton, Fredericton, Saint John, or Dieppe, you apply directly to your city or town's building/planning department. If you're in a rural or unincorporated area (say, outside Shediac, near Grand Bay-Westfield, or in the countryside around Woodstock), your permit comes from your Regional Service Commission (RSC).

When you apply, expect to submit a site plan showing where the deck sits on your property (including setbacks from property lines), plus construction drawings with dimensions, framing layout, post sizes, beam spans, and how it attaches to the house. Most municipalities want two copies. Permit fees typically run $200–$800 for a residential deck, depending on the municipality and the deck's value.

Setback rules vary by municipality, but a common starting point is 1.2m (4 feet) from rear and side property lines — though this can be tighter or more generous depending on your zoning. Your permit office will confirm the exact requirements for your lot.

What makes a deck code-compliant under the National Building Code of Canada 2020 (now in effect in NB as of May 1, 2025 for new applications):

• Ledger attachment: If your deck attaches to the house, the ledger board connection is critical — it must be properly bolted (not just nailed) to the rim joist or band joist, with flashing to prevent water infiltration behind the ledger. This is one of the most common failure points inspectors flag.
• Post footings: Footings must extend below the frost line — at least 4 feet (1.2m) in most of NB, deeper inland. Undersized or shallow footings are the #1 reason decks shift and become unsafe over NB winters.
• Beam and joist spans: Lumber sizing must match the span tables in the NBC. A 2x8 joist can only span so far before it needs intermediate support — your drawings need to reflect this.
• Guardrails: Any deck 600mm (about 24 inches) or more above grade requires a guardrail at least 1,070mm (42 inches) high, with balusters spaced so a 100mm (4-inch) sphere can't pass through.
• Stairs: Risers must be consistent (max 200mm), treads a minimum 235mm deep, with a graspable handrail on at least one side.

The inspector will typically do two visits — one to check footings before you pour concrete, and one final inspection once the deck is complete. Don't skip the footing inspection; if you pour before the inspector signs off, you may be asked to dig it up.

Can you build it yourself? Yes — deck construction is one of the few projects in NB where a homeowner can do the work themselves (no licensed trade required). But you still need the permit, and the work still needs to pass inspection. If you're not confident reading span tables or sizing beams, hiring a carpenter or general contractor is worth it. A poorly built deck can collapse — especially under NB snow loads, which can hit 250–350cm of accumulation in a season.

Your best next step is to call or visit your local building department or RSC with your rough deck dimensions and lot address. They'll tell you exactly what drawings they need and what the fee will be. You can also find experienced deck builders in our New Brunswick contractor directory if you'd rather have a pro handle the whole thing, permit included.