Decks and Porches

Step 2: Zoning confirmation

You can confirm that your project meets zoning requirements in one of two ways:

• Simultaneous zoning review
  • You can have your zoning compliance reviewed as part of your building permit application
  • The zoning compliance fee will still apply, but no separate application is needed
• Zoning Compliance Certificate
  • Apply through your City Dashboard account for a separate Zoning Compliance Certificate before submitting your building permit application
  • This is a separate application with its own fee
  • Visit our webpage for more details about the Zoning Compliance Certificate process

Step 3: Submit your application, drawings, and pay the fees

Application

Apply in your City Dashboard account. Fill in the information, and you will be prompted to upload your completed building permit forms and documents.

Site plan

You must include a site plan to scale (1:200), identifying: 

• Fully dimensional lot lines, existing structures and proposed deck structure and setback distances

Construction drawings

• Floor plan(s) layout of the deck/porch – fully dimensioned, including framing types, sizes and spans, etc
• Cross-section/Elevations including pier/footing/foundation details, connection details, height from grade, stair and guard details, etc.

Fees

Pay the required building permit fees when you receive notice that fees are payable via the CityView Portal. Payment can be made in the following ways:

• Pay online through your City Dashboard account
• Pay with cash or debit in person at the Building Department at 4343 Morrison Street (credit cards are not accepted)
• Submit cheques payable to the “City of Niagara Falls” in person or by mail. Include the permit number and address on the cheque notes.
• For a list of current fees, visit the Schedule of Fees, Building Permit section