Planning to build a deck? Make sure you have your Winnipeg deck permit in place first. At Windeck Ltd., this is one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners. So we’ve laid it all out here for you.
When Do You Need a Permit?
In Winnipeg, you need a permit if your deck meets either of these conditions:
- It’s higher than 2 feet above ground
- It has a surface area larger than 36 square feet (3.4 m²) It doesn’t matter if the deck is attached to your house or not. Once it crosses either threshold, a permit is required.
What Doesn’t Require a Permit?
If your structure is:
- Less than 2 feet high, and
- Smaller than 36 square feet…it’s considered a platform, not a deck. You don’t need a permit for platforms. They’re treated as landscaping elements or ground-level landings. You can build them freely—no paperwork, no fees, no city involvement.
If You Need a Permit, Keep These 3 Rules in Mind:
- Railings Are Mandatory
Any deck higher than 2 feet must have guardrails around the edges. If your deck has multiple levels, only the parts above 2 feet need them. - Structure Must Meet City Standards
The City of Winnipeg has a detailed wood decking construction guide. You must follow it exactly to get your permit approved. Any errors or missed steps may cause delays or rejections. - Placement Rules Apply
Decks must follow zoning rules. Here’s what you need to know:
- It must be behind your home
- It must be at least 4 feet away from side property lines
- It can’t be built within 25 feet of your back property line
If your planned deck falls outside these limits, you’ll need a zoning variance.
What Is a Zoning Variance?
A zoning variance is special permission from the city to build in a restricted area. Here’s how it works:
- The application takes about 6 weeks to process
- It costs $600
- The city will require you to get authorization from most of your nearby neighbors. Although the request is rarely denied, There are no refunds—even if your request is denied. Apply for a variance only if your deck can’t meet the basic placement rules.
Submitting Your Permit Application
Filing for a deck permit is not as simple as it should be.
- The process is time-consuming and often requires multiple revisions
- The city’s system can be inconsistent, and application requirements may change
- Communication during the process is often slow or unclear
We recommend submitting your permit as soon as possible if you want your deck built sooner than later. This is often the project’s lengthiest part.
Make sure your design follows the Wood Decking Construction Handbook issued by the City of Winnipeg. Make sure to send all required documentation the first time, to delay lengthy responses.
For more information on the location please visit The City of Winnipeg Deck Permit Website
Need Help With the Permit Process?
At Windeck Ltd., we understand how stressful this process can be. If you’re not sure where to start—or just don’t have time to deal with permits—we’re here to help.
We take care of the paperwork, city submissions, and follow-ups so you can focus on the fun part—enjoying your new backyard space.
Want to get started?
Click below to fill out our contact form and tell us about your project.