Markham deck permits

Do you need a permit for a deck in Markham?

Check Markham deck permit rules for height, attachment, size, zoning and the ePLAN application process.

1 min readReviewed Oct 1, 2026

The short answerConditional

Markham lists raised decks more than 600 mm above grade as permit-required and lists low decks under 600 mm as permit-exempt.

Markham’s permit guidance also says attached decks require a permit. Zoning and applicable-law checks should happen before the permit application is prepared.

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What changes the answer.

Start with these conditions. The official reference is attached to each one.

HeightPermit required above 600 mmConditional

Markham lists raised decks more than 24 inches above existing grade as requiring a building permit.

Official sourceCity of MarkhamBuilding Permit Process · Permit triggers, exemptions, zoning and application requirements

Verified2026-10-01Open proof

Low deckPermit not required below 600 mm under the published housing exemptionConditional

The City lists decks less than 600 mm above existing grade at all locations among housing projects that do not need a permit.

Official sourceCity of MarkhamBuilding Permit Process · Permit triggers, exemptions, zoning and application requirements

Verified2026-10-01Open proof

Zoning / applicable lawCheck before applyingInfo

Markham directs applicants to confirm zoning and other applicable laws before preparing the permit application.

Official sourceCity of MarkhamBuilding Permit Process · Permit triggers, exemptions, zoning and application requirements

Verified2026-10-01Open proof

Your preparation checklist

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Completed application forms
Scaled construction drawings
Supporting zoning or applicable-law documentation where required
Applicable permit fee at submission

Open the focused permit checklist

Fees and timing

TimelineConfirm the current municipal review stage after the application is accepted as complete.

FeesConfirm the current Markham building permit fee schedule before filing.

Next steps

Measure the deck height above existing grade
Confirm whether it is attached to the dwelling
Check the applicable zoning by-law
Submit the complete application through ePLAN when required

Same project, different city

See how this rule changes across Ontario.

Compare the source-reviewed answer for this project across every municipality BuildRules currently covers.

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BuildRules principle

Do not confuse “no permit” with “no rules.”

Zoning, overlays, safety rules and other constraints can still apply.

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