DEPARTMENTS > CONSTRUCTION > PERMITS

Deck Guidelines

  • FOOTINGS: Minimum 36 inches deep, 8-12 inch diameter.
  • Maximum spacing between footing (girder span) 8 feet.
  • Supporting posts shall be minimum 4 inch x 4 inch for first-story deck and 6inch x6 inch for second story.
  • FRAMING: Follow Manufacturer’s recommendations for manufactured lumber.
  • Lumber shall be treated or approved hardwood.
  • Girders/beams shall be continuous, all splices must occur on a support.
  • Deck must be ½ inch minimum lag bolted to house every two feet.
  • Wood floor joints must be maximum of 16 inch on center.
    • 2 inch x 6 inch maximum 8-foot span, 2 inch x 8 inch maximum 12-foot span
    • 2 inch x 10 inch 16-foot span
  • Joists may not be cantilevered more than two feet.
  • Deck more than 30 inches from grade requires guardrail height of 36 inches.

If skirting is to be installed around deck, an access hatch must be provided.

STAIRS:

Maximum riser height shall be 8 ¼ inches, minimum tread depth 9 inches. Height and depth of all steps in a stairway shall be the same.

Handrails

Handrails are required whenever there are more than four risers. The handgrip portion of the handrail shall not be more than 2 5/8 inches in cross-section dimension, or shall provide an equivalent gripping surface. Ends shall be returned or terminate into post. Railing height minimum shall be 36 inches. Baluster spacing shall not allow the passage of an object 4 inches or more in diameter.

ZONING APPROVAL IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO SUBMITTING APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCTION OFFICE

PERMIT APPLICATION

Submit two copies of deck construction plans. Plans must include all dimensions of deck including spans, type and sizes of all lumber. Please show footing location and detail or footing depth. The homeowner must sign all plans.