Answering Homeowner Deck Permit Questions
As a homeowner, there’s no shortage of steps for creating your dream outdoor living space. From picking out the right composite decking material, to thinking about what types of activities you want to use it for, it’s easy for the more administrative tasks like getting a deck permit to slip your mind.
Since so many aspects of building a composite deck are easily accessible, it’s natural for the process of getting a permit to be a little intimidating at first glance. In our experience at Envision Outdoor Living, it’s common for homeowners to have questions about getting a permit to build a deck. Join us as we answer some of those questions to help keep your outdoor living space project moving forward.
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Deck?
Let’s tackle the main question first. In most cities around the country, you’ll need some form of a permit before the construction of a deck starts. For a definitive answer, start by contacting your local municipality. The specific requirements for a deck permit vary from city to city, so your local government is the trusted source you should follow.
It’s also important to note that the local building codes in your area can even vary depending on the property lines or unique aspects of your specific house. When you call your local municipality, have your address and lot number (if it applies to you) ready to go.
What Does the Deck Permit Process Look Like?
Even though the more exact details of the deck permit process can change, it’s helpful to know the steps you’re likely to experience. A basic procedure of getting a deck permit has four steps that include:
- Zoning: First, you or your contractor will have to show the city that the deck being built fits within the property lines of your home. Many cities will require a detailed plan drawn up to back this up.
- Planning: There are some cities and communities/neighborhoods that require the deck to match a particular style or aesthetic.
- Safety: Next up, there are usually several safety measures that the city needs to make sure your deck will have. Oftentimes this includes making sure the deck doesn’t interfere with any existing structures or natural resources like a gas line. If the deck is going to be near water, you’ll have to prove the deck isn’t susceptible to flooding.
- Taxes: In most cities before a deck permit is issued, they will check to see if you’re up to date on your property taxes.
Who Is Expected to Get the Deck Permit?
If your plan for the deck is a full DIY project, the responsibility for getting the deck permit is entirely on you as the homeowner. However, if you’re working with a contractor, they’ll typically handle getting the permit and will often know any unique challenges the local city could present. Since the contractor adds convenience to the project by taking care of the permit, you’ll have more time to work out what style and products you want.
For the DIY route, you’re going to need specifics about the outdoor living space to get the permit. Before starting the process to get the permit from your local municipality, it will help to know:
- The exact size/dimensions of the deck.
- Details on the layout for the decking joists, posts, and beams.
- The type of foundation the deck is going to be placed on, and what the height of the deck will be.
Is a Permit Required for Extending Your Deck?
Like when an extension is added onto a house, most cities will still require a permit for extending a deck. The requirements to get a deck extension permit usually follow a similar path to what we’ve outlined above.
Turn Your Dream Outdoor Living Space into a Reality with Envision
Outside of getting a deck permit squared away, there are plenty of other ways to help set up your outdoor living project for success. From an inspiration gallery to offering composite decking and deck and porch railing that are Different by Design, we are here to support your vision. Request your samples today.
Answering Homeowner Deck Permit Questions
As a homeowner, there’s no shortage of steps for creating your dream outdoor living space. From picking out the right composite decking material, to thinking about what types of activities you want to use it for, it’s easy for the more administrative tasks like getting a deck permit to slip your mind.
Since so many aspects of building a composite deck are easily accessible, it’s natural for the process of getting a permit to be a little intimidating at first glance. In our experience at Envision Outdoor Living, it’s common for homeowners to have questions about getting a permit to build a deck. Join us as we answer some of those questions to help keep your outdoor living space project moving forward.
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Deck?
Let’s tackle the main question first. In most cities around the country, you’ll need some form of a permit before the construction of a deck starts. For a definitive answer, start by contacting your local municipality. The specific requirements for a deck permit vary from city to city, so your local government is the trusted source you should follow.
It’s also important to note that the local building codes in your area can even vary depending on the property lines or unique aspects of your specific house. When you call your local municipality, have your address and lot number (if it applies to you) ready to go.
What Does the Deck Permit Process Look Like?
Even though the more exact details of the deck permit process can change, it’s helpful to know the steps you’re likely to experience. A basic procedure of getting a deck permit has four steps that include:
- Zoning: First, you or your contractor will have to show the city that the deck being built fits within the property lines of your home. Many cities will require a detailed plan drawn up to back this up.
- Planning: There are some cities and communities/neighborhoods that require the deck to match a particular style or aesthetic.
- Safety: Next up, there are usually several safety measures that the city needs to make sure your deck will have. Oftentimes this includes making sure the deck doesn’t interfere with any existing structures or natural resources like a gas line. If the deck is going to be near water, you’ll have to prove the deck isn’t susceptible to flooding.
- Taxes: In most cities before a deck permit is issued, they will check to see if you’re up to date on your property taxes.
Who Is Expected to Get the Deck Permit?
If your plan for the deck is a full DIY project, the responsibility for getting the deck permit is entirely on you as the homeowner. However, if you’re working with a contractor, they’ll typically handle getting the permit and will often know any unique challenges the local city could present. Since the contractor adds convenience to the project by taking care of the permit, you’ll have more time to work out what style and products you want.
For the DIY route, you’re going to need specifics about the outdoor living space to get the permit. Before starting the process to get the permit from your local municipality, it will help to know:
- The exact size/dimensions of the deck.
- Details on the layout for the decking joists, posts, and beams.
- The type of foundation the deck is going to be placed on, and what the height of the deck will be.
Is a Permit Required for Extending Your Deck?
Like when an extension is added onto a house, most cities will still require a permit for extending a deck. The requirements to get a deck extension permit usually follow a similar path to what we’ve outlined above.
Turn Your Dream Outdoor Living Space into a Reality with Envision
Outside of getting a deck permit squared away, there are plenty of other ways to help set up your outdoor living project for success. From an inspiration gallery to offering composite decking and deck and porch railing that are Different by Design, we are here to support your vision. Request your samples today.
