Apply for Your Building Permit
A building permit protects you, your family, and your investment. The application process is straightforward when you have proper documentation. Here's exactly what you need to submit and what to expect.
Quick Summary
$50-$500
1-4 weeks
Site plan, elevations
Usually 2-3
Why Permits Matter
The Cost of Skipping Permits
An unpermitted deck can cost you far more than the permit fee. Real consequences include: forced removal at your expense ($5,000+), daily fines until corrected, denied homeowner's insurance claims, difficulty selling your home, and personal liability if someone is injured. The permit fee is cheap insurance.
Beyond legal requirements, permits ensure your deck is structurally sound. The inspection process catches problems before they become dangerous. A permitted deck also adds documented value to your home.
Documents You'll Need to Submit
Most building departments require similar documentation. Contact yours for specific requirements, but expect to provide these elements:
1Site Plan (Plot Plan)
A bird's-eye view of your property showing the deck location relative to property lines, the house, and other structures.
What to Include:
- Property boundary lines with dimensions
- House footprint with dimensions
- Proposed deck outline with dimensions
- Distance from deck to all property lines (setbacks)
- Distance from deck to other structures
- Location of any easements
- North arrow and scale
- Street name and property address
2Elevation Drawings
Side views showing how the deck attaches to the house and extends outward. Usually need at least two views (front and side).
What to Include:
- Height from ground to deck surface
- Height from ground to door threshold
- Post heights at different locations
- Railing height (typically 36" or 42")
- Stair details: rise, run, number of steps
- Ledger board attachment to house
- Ground slope if applicable
3Framing Plan
A top-down view of the deck structure showing joists, beams, posts, and footings.
What to Include:
- Joist size and spacing (e.g., 2x10 at 16" O.C.)
- Beam size and location
- Post size and locations
- Footing locations and dimensions
- Ledger board size and attachment method
- Joist hanger specifications
- Overall dimensions
4Structural Details
Close-up details of critical connections and structural elements.
What to Include:
- Ledger attachment detail (lag bolts or through-bolts, spacing, size)
- Flashing detail at ledger
- Footing detail (diameter, depth below frost line, reinforcement)
- Post-to-beam connection
- Post-to-footing connection
- Railing post attachment
- Stair stringer attachment
Typical Code Requirements to Show
Ledger Attachment
- 1/2" lag screws or through-bolts
- Staggered pattern, typically 16" spacing
- Into rim joist, not just sheathing
- Z-flashing or self-adhesive flashing above
Footings
- Diameter: typically 12" minimum
- Depth: below local frost line
- Concrete: 3000 PSI minimum
- Post anchored with approved hardware
Railings
- Height: 36" or 42" (check local code)
- Baluster spacing: 4" maximum
- Required when deck is 30"+ above grade
- 200 lb. lateral load capacity
Stairs
- Riser height: 7-3/4" maximum
- Tread depth: 10" minimum
- Width: 36" minimum
- Handrail: 34"-38" above nosing
The Application Process
Gather Documents
Prepare all drawings and documents listed above. Make copies - you'll likely need 2-3 sets. Some departments accept digital submissions.
Complete Application Form
Fill out the permit application with property information, project description, estimated cost, and contractor information (or note "owner-builder").
Submit and Pay Fee
Submit in person, by mail, or online (if available). Pay the permit fee. Get a receipt and ask about expected review timeline.
Plan Review
A plan reviewer checks your submission for code compliance. They may approve as-is, request minor corrections, or require significant changes.
Address Corrections (If Any)
If corrections are needed, revise your drawings and resubmit. This is normal and doesn't mean your project is rejected. Ask the reviewer to clarify anything you don't understand.
Receive Approved Permit
Once approved, you'll receive your permit. Post it visibly at the job site. Review required inspections and call to schedule each one at the appropriate stage.
Required Inspections
Most jurisdictions require 2-3 inspections during deck construction. Schedule each inspection before proceeding to the next phase - covering up uninspected work may require you to uncover it.
1. Footing Inspection
When: After holes are dug, before pouring concrete
What they check: Hole depth (below frost line), diameter, soil conditions, location matches plans
2. Framing Inspection
When: After framing is complete, before decking boards
What they check: Ledger attachment, beam/joist sizes and spacing, hardware, post connections, overall structural integrity
3. Final Inspection
When: Project complete, including railings and stairs
What they check: Railing height and spacing, stair dimensions, overall completion, compliance with approved plans
Inspection Tips
- Schedule inspections 24-48 hours in advance
- Have your permit and approved plans on site
- Be present if possible to ask questions
- Don't take failed inspections personally - they're about safety
- Ask specifically what needs to be corrected and verify before re-scheduling
Tips for Faster Approval
Do This
- Use the department's checklist (if available)
- Draw clearly and label everything
- Reference specific code sections
- Include manufacturer specs for hardware
- Call with questions before submitting
- Keep drawings organized and professional
Avoid This
- Incomplete or illegible drawings
- Missing dimensions or details
- Undersized structural members
- Ignoring setback requirements
- Starting work before permit approval
- Arguing with plan reviewers
Before You Dig: Call 811
Once your permit is approved, call 811 at least 48-72 hours before digging footings. This free service marks underground utility lines (gas, electric, water, cable) on your property. Hitting a utility line is dangerous and expensive - and you're liable if you didn't call.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a deck permit approved?
Permit approval typically takes 1-4 weeks depending on your jurisdiction and workload. Simple residential decks may be approved in 2-5 business days in some areas. Complex projects or busy seasons can take longer. Many departments offer expedited review for an additional fee.
How much does a deck permit cost?
Deck permit fees typically range from $50-$500 depending on your location and project size. Fees are often calculated as a percentage of project value (0.5-1%) or based on square footage. Some jurisdictions charge flat fees for residential decks under a certain size.
Can I draw my own deck plans for a permit?
Yes, most jurisdictions accept homeowner-drawn plans for simple residential decks. Your drawings must include all required information: dimensions, materials, structural details, and code compliance. Some complex projects (very high decks, unusual designs) may require engineer-stamped drawings.
What happens if I build a deck without a permit?
Building without a required permit can result in: stop-work orders, fines ($100-$500/day in some areas), required removal of the structure, denied insurance claims if someone is injured, difficulty selling your home, and increased liability. It's almost never worth the risk.