Balconies, decks, patios, gazebos, pergolas, solariums, and pathways 

A permit is required to install or modify a balcony, deck, patio, gazebo, pergola, solarium, or pathway. 

Definitions 

Balcony –  A platform that projects out from the face of a building either overhanging or supported by columns, usually enclosed by a railing, with or without access to the ground. 

Terrace –  A raised level space made up of earth or crushed stone and adjoining the main building, intended for exterior activities. 

Deck –  An exterior platform located at the rear of the building supported by columns that is no more than 0.6m (2’) above the ground. 

Patio –  A paved surface located exclusively at the rear of a building on the ground intended for exterior use. 

Gazebo –  A free-standing structure with a roof and open or partially enclosed sides, located at the rear of the main building. 

Pergola –  A small garden structure with an open-framework roof supported by columns, located at the rear of the main building. 

Solarium –  An unheated space similar to a greenhouse, adjoining a dwelling and used as a living area. 

Pathway – A continuous and unobstructed walking route between two points or features on a private property. 

Placement 

• Balconies must be located at least 3.05m (10’) from the rear property line and 2m (6’6”) from the lateral property lines except in the case of semi-detached dwellings where a balcony must be located at a minimum distance of 0.6m (2’) from the common property line. Balconies may also not encroach by more than 3.05m (10’) into the minimum rear building setback and by 2.13m (7’) into the front and secondary front setback. A balcony located in the lateral yard may be extended by a maximum if 1.2m (4’) in the rear yard, but it may not encroach by more than 1.22m (4’) into the lateral building setback. 

• Decks must be located at least 3.05m (10’) from the rear property line and 2m (6’6”) from the side property line except in the case of semi-detached dwellings where they must be located at least 0.6m (2’) from the common property line. 

• Patios must be located at least 0.91m (3’) from the rear and side property lines. A single patio is permitted. 

• Terraces must be located at least 4.57 m (15 ft.) from the lateral property lines and 6.10 m (20 ft.) from the rear property line. 

• A maximum of one gazebo and one pergola is permitted on a property on which the main building is located. If erected on the ground or on a patio, the structure must be at least 0.91m (3’) from any property line. If located on a deck or on a balcony, it must be at least 3.05m (10’) from the rear property line and 2m (6’6”) from the lateral property lines. The area covered by a gazebo or a pergola shall not exceed 11.61m² (125 ft²). 

• One solarium is permitted on a property on which the main building is located. The solarium must be located on the rear of the main building, attached to the building and erected on a deck or a balcony whose foundations are in conformity with the Construction By-law #2593. 

• Pathways must have a maximum width of 1.2m (4’) and be located at a minimum distance of 0.6m (2’) from any property line, and 0.91m (3’) from the trunk edge of any tree. 

NOTE: The total area covered by a combination of a balcony, deck, patio, gazebo, pergola, terrace, driveway, accessory building, synthetic grass, deck for an above-ground swimming pool, or a solarium in the rear yard of a main building may not exceed 50% of the area of said rear yard. 

Special Considerations for Exterior Staircases 

For Single-Family and Two-Family dwellings, stairways at ground floor level may not be erected, even partly, inside a minimum distance of 3.65m (12’) calculated from the side of the City sidewalk or curb facing the building, towards the interior of the land, provided that all of the stair structure of the said stairway is located outside the public right-of-way, namely on private property. 

How to apply for a Permit 

1. Check the applicable regulations 

1. Balconies, decks, patios, pergolas, gazebos, solariums, and pathways are regulated in Article 4-4-5 of the Zoning By-law #2217 (PDF).  
2. All building modifications are regulated in the Construction By-law #2593 (PDF).  
3. Costs of permits and fees, including the damage deposit for public property, are listed in the Fee Schedule.
4. Minimum setbacks differ for every property, which can affect the feasibility of construction. Please refer to the Table of Uses and Norms section of the Zoning and construction by-laws page. 

NOTE: This is not an exhaustive list and other regulations may apply. If you have any questions pertaining to these regulations, please book an appointment to meet with a member of the Urban Planning Department. 

2. Required documents (all items in this list are mandatory) 

1. A valid Certificate of Location, prepared by a licensed land surveyor. Please consult the Ordre des Arpenteurs-Geomètres du Québec website for an example (PDF).
2. A site plan, drawn to scale, indicating the position and dimensions of the proposed project and including all distances to land lines. 
3. An itemized contractor’s cost estimate, listing the associated costs of all materials and labour for the project. 
4. If you are not the property owner as listed on Montreal’s property assessment roll, you must complete the following procuration form (PDF).  

NOTE: Additional documents may be requested by the permit agent. 

3. Submit a permit application 

1. After preparing the necessary documents, the permit application can be easily completed and submitted online.  
2. You will be provided a reference number following the submission of your application. 

4. Analysis of the permit application 

1. The Urban Planning Department will begin the analysis of your permit application as soon as all required information is submitted. 
2. If additional information is required, a staff member will contact you. 
3. If you have not received timely communication or updates regarding your application, we kindly ask you to send us an email at [email protected]. 
4. No work can begin until you receive a valid construction permit. 

5. Issuance and payment of the permit 

1. When the analysis of your permit application request is complete, you will receive an email with steps to pay for the permit. A permit will only be issued once the payment has been successfully received and processed. 
2. Once issued, the construction permit must be visible from the street in front of the property. 

6. Completion of work 

1. Throughout the construction process, the City inspector will visit the site to ensure for compliance with the work listed in the permit description and the applicable municipal by-laws. 
2. After the work is completed, please contact the designated inspector listed in the permit description. 

Have questions? Need assistance to apply for a permit? We are here to help!

Book an appointment to meet with the Urban Planning Department