Gatineau
Do you need a permit for a deck or balcony in Gatineau?
No permit to build or alter front steps, a balcony, gallery or deck, unless the lot is subject to a PIIA (site planning and architectural integration programme) or a heritage citation.
Usually no permitThe rules, in short
- Front steps, balcony, gallery or deck attached to the house: allowed in all yards, at least 1 m from every lot line. (art. 183, table, row 12)
- It may project at most 2 m into a setback facing a street (front setback or side setback on a street). (art. 183, table, row 12)
- For a semi-detached or row house, the gallery may be less than 1 m from the shared line; in the rear yard, an opaque screen 1.5 to 2 m high is then required on the shared side. (art. 184)
Summary by Radar Foncier, in our own words: the official French text of the by-law, linked above, prevails.
Applying in Gatineau
- Processing time: No set processing time: applications are reviewed as soon as possible, depending on volume, once complete and paid
- Cost: Set by the By-law on the administration of urban planning by-laws 501-2005 (s. 103.1 to 110); shown when you apply online
- Urban planning department: 311
- Permits on the municipality's website
Other projects in Gatineau
Deck, patio or balcony elsewhere: Côte Saint-Luc, Dorval, Montreal, Sherbrooke, Vaudreuil-Dorion, Westmount.
Version française de cette page
Source: Zoning By-law 532-2020 (administrative compilation), French version, checked on October 22, 2026. Plain-English summary: the official French text prevails, and a by-law can change. Confirm with the Gatineau urban planning department before buying materials. Radar Foncier is an independent service, not affiliated with the municipality.
Radar Foncier in English. Permits and rules for Québec homeowners; the full site and the reports are in French. Version française