DECK REQUIREMENTS
Application Process: Building Permit #2 Application
Deck on Single-Family Dwelling – Insufficient drawings may cause rejection and unwanted delays of your permit.
You must submit the following information
1. Plot Plan
2. Foundations (depth below grade – 42-inch minimum required)
A. Size and location of all the new construction and all existing structures on the site.
B. Show distances from lot lines and easements.
3. Joist size and spacing – 2x6 at 16-inch on center; 2x8 at 24-inch on center, etc.
4. Clear span of joists (distance between supports)
5. Column size and spacing 4x4, 4x6, 6x6 and distance between them.
6. Beam size and clear span 2-2x8, 2-2x10 and distance between columns.
7. Deck height above grade (approximate height at highest point).
8. Guardrail height, baluster spacing.
9. Stair information, rise, run and handrail/guardrail.
10. Subdivision approval.
Please give specific dimensions on your plans. The City does not scale drawings.
Zoning Requirements
1. Shall not project more than 18 feet into a real yard
2. Shall not project into any easement
3. Shall not project more than 8 feet into a front yard setback
4. Shall not project into required side yard setback
Required setbacks for residential zoning:
Front yard – 20 feet
Side yard – 14 feet combined
Rear yard – 30 feet
Corner lots require 2 front yard setbacks – 30 feet front yard and not less than 10 feet from the side lot line.
Building Code Requirements
1. Decks with raised surfaces more than 30 inches above grade require guardrails at the perimeter of deck surfaces.
2. Guardrails must be a minimum of 36 inches in height and must adequately withstand lateral forces.
3. Spaces between balusters must be 4 inches or less.
4. Horizontal intermediate guardrails are prohibited due to the creation of the ladder effect.
5. Stairs with 3 or more risers or more require a handrail.
6. Handrails on stairs must be 30 inches minimum to 38 inches maximum measured vertically above the nosing.
7. All stairway handrails shall have a circular cross section area with an outside diameter of at least 1¼ inches and not greater than 2 inches.