What is the maximum deck height before a permit is required in Riverview NB?

In Riverview, a building permit is generally required for any deck that is more than 600 millimetres above finished grade or that is attached to the house. The 600-millimetre threshold is the standard used across New Brunswick under the provincial building code, and Riverview applies this same standard through its municipal building inspection process.

The 600-millimetre measurement is taken from the top of the deck surface to the lowest point of the adjacent finished grade. This is an important distinction because many properties in Riverview have varying terrain, and a deck that appears low on one side may be considerably higher on another. If any portion of the deck exceeds the 600-millimetre height at any point around its perimeter, the entire structure falls under the permit requirement. You cannot claim an exemption based on the average height or the height on the side closest to the house.

It is equally important to understand that the height threshold is only one of two triggers for a permit requirement. The second trigger is whether the deck is attached to the house. A deck that is bolted to the house using a ledger board requires a permit regardless of its height above grade, even if the deck surface sits only 150 millimetres off the ground. The structural connection between the deck and the house creates load transfer conditions that must be verified through the permit and inspection process to ensure the house framing can safely support the additional loads and that the connection is detailed correctly to prevent water damage and structural failure.

For a freestanding deck in Riverview that genuinely sits below 600 millimetres above grade at all points and has no structural attachment to the house, you may be exempt from the building permit requirement. However, this exemption does not release you from complying with the New Brunswick Building Code in terms of construction standards, nor does it exempt you from municipal zoning requirements. You still need to respect property line setbacks, which typically range from 1 to 3 metres in Riverview's residential zones, and you must not interfere with drainage, utility easements, or lot coverage maximums.

The consequences of building a deck above the 600-millimetre threshold without a permit are significant. Fines under New Brunswick's building code enforcement provisions range from $500 to $5,000 per offence. Beyond fines, an unpermitted deck can create serious problems when you sell your property, as home inspectors and real estate lawyers routinely flag structures that lack building permits. Your homeowner's insurance may also deny claims related to an unpermitted deck, whether for personal injury from a structural failure or property damage from water infiltration caused by an improperly installed ledger.

If your deck is close to the 600-millimetre threshold, the practical advice is to either design it to sit clearly below 600 millimetres at all points with a freestanding foundation system, or accept that a permit is needed and go through the process. The permit fee in the $100 to $300 range is a small investment compared to the potential costs of building without one. When in doubt, contact Riverview's building inspection office for a definitive answer on your specific situation before you begin construction.

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