Deck construction is considered an addition to a home and therefore requires permits and inspections in order to ensure that it is safe for your enjoyment. We encourage you to review our Deck Compliance Guidelines below before applying for a permit. Please feel free to use one of our fillable deck drawings for your deck permit application submittal if applicable. If one of our fillable deck drawings does not match your design, you will need to provide an original plan.
Building a Deck
Additional Permits Required
If your deck will feature a hot tub, spa, or other permanent electric-powered component, you will also need an electrical permit. If your deck will feature running water, such as for a sink, or gas piping to feed a gas line directly into a grill, you will also need a plumbing/gas permit. After the building permit application is filed, if applicable, have your licensed electrician submit an Electrical Permit Application and/or have your licensed plumber submit a Plumbing Permit Application.
Permit Applications
Permit Process
Many factors affect the speed with which your application(s) are approved. For best results, it is critical that you carefully review your application and design documents prior to submission to ensure that all necessary documents are included and that the design is compliant with the county code. Normally, permits can be issued within 10-15 business days if the application is complete, accurate, and code-compliant.
Construction Document Requirements
Submitted documents must contain sufficient information for the plan reviewer to be able to review the proposed construction.
- Two (2) plot plans of the entire parcel – drawn to scale – to include:
- Location of the proposed structure
- Measurements from the proposed structure to each property line
- Location of and distance from the existing/proposed well and/or septic area
- Road name
- Drywell location
- All Easements (Floodplain, Forest Conservation, and Utilities)
- Two (2) complete sets of detailed construction plans – drawn to scale – to include:
- Footing detail indicating size and depth
- Elevation (not required if height above finish grade is provided)
- Beam size and connection detail
- Support posts sizes and locations
- Floor joist size and spacing
- Ledger board connection details
- Decking materials indicated
- Detail of stair construction and location
- Detail of railing system, including materials
- Square footage total
Inspections
Your deck will require a series of inspections throughout the building process. At a minimum, your deck will require the following inspections:
- Footing
- Framing
- Final
*Framing and Final inspection can be performed during the same visit provided the deck is a minimum of 48" above grade.
Features such as electricity for a hot tub or plumbing for running water or a direct-feed gas line to a grill will require additional inspections.
Fees
Please see Row B of the Building Permit Fee Schedule. If applicable, see Row D of the Electrical Permit Fee Schedule and/or Row D of the Plumbing Permit Fee Schedule.