Before any work is started on the construction of a deck, you are required to complete an application for permit on Cloud Permit. You should have information for the builder of the deck if you are contracting this out, including the company name, address, and phone number. A contact name is also helpful in the event that any questions may arise.
Along with the application for permit, a plot plan showing the exact location of the proposed deck is required. A plot plan is a scaled drawing that details the location of the structures on your lot and shows their relation to the lot lines. In this drawing, you will include your home, garage and any other structures. The size for this drawing shall be no less than 8×10 inches in size.
A plan for the deck must be submitted with the plot plan. This plan should detail the location and size of the support posts (or foundation), size and location of any beams, and the size and spacing of the floor joists. Any stairs used must also be detailed. Minimum size for this plan is also 8×10 inches. Your lumber company will be able to provide you with this information if you are unsure of how to design a deck.
The current fee for a deck permit is $60.
Construction Requirements
- Lot Area Coverage: No deck may be located in any portion of a required front or side yard. The deck may not occupy more than 30% of the required rear yard. Total lot coverage by all structures shall not exceed 35% of the total lot area. This will include all structures – swimming pools, play structures, detached garage, and decks.
- Principal Building: A deck which is attached to the principal building shall comply with the yard requirements and construction standards of the principal building. The minimum required side yard clearance is 7′. The minimum rear yard clearance is 20′ and front yard is 25′.
- Foundations & Footings: All decks shall be provided with a foundation below the frost line. This would be 48″ in depth. Posts shall be set on a concrete footing adequate in size to support the loads of the deck.
- Construction Standards: Wood frame decks must conform to the following standards. Joists shall have a maximum spacing of 16″ on center. The floor system shall be designed to meet a load of 40 pounds per square foot, plus 10 pounds per square foot dead load. All lumber within 8″ of grade shall be treated or of a rot-resistant species. Any wood surfaces exposed to the weather shall be treated or provided with a weathering protectant such as stain or a water-proofing agent.
- Guardrails: All decks with a surface height of more than 24″ above grade shall be provided with guardrails. The guardrail shall have a minimum height of 36″ above the deck surface. The guardrail shall have intermediate members or balusters spaced so that they shall not allow the passage of a 4″ sphere between members. This requirement also pertains to the space between the bottom member of the guardrail and the deck surface. The guardrail will be of adequate strength to resist a horizontal load of 200 pounds.
- Stairs: All stairs leading to a deck shall measure a least 36″ in width. The maximum height for a stair rise is 8″ , and all risers shall be uniform in height. The minimum tread width shall not be less than 9″. All stairs with more than 3 risers must be provided with a handrail. This handrail shall be located between 30″ and 38″ above the nose of the tread surfaces, and be uniform in height over the run of the stairs. The guardrail must be continuous over the entire run of the stairs, and the gripping surface of the rail will have a maximum cross section of 2 7/8″. Intermediate members or balusters shall be provided and spaced so that they shall not allow the passage of a 4″ sphere between the members. The handrail will be of adequate strength to resist a horizontal load of 200 pounds.
