How to Follow Municipal Codes for Decks

Many people don't realize that construction on their private property requires permits from their city development office. Deck building must follow the municipal codes set for these kinds of projects. Not following codes can create serious consequences such as stiff fines and not being able to secure permits for projects in the future. Luckily, it's quite easy to follow the municipal codes for new decks, and city officials are usually more than happy to help you if you run into trouble, as long as you play by the rules first.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Permit applications

1. Determine whether your property is within city limits. If it is, then the codes you will need to follow will likely be from the city development department, while those who have property outside the city limits may need to refer to the county or parish development department.
2. Contact your local housing inspections branch of the property and development section of the municipal authority in your city. This is where you can pick up copies of the current municipal codes for decks. Many of these departments are online and have these documents available to download.
3. Record all the pertinent information for your permit application. This includes deck width, deck height, ledger length, overall square footage of the completed deck and number of posts. Measurements of all stairs including number of steps, guardrail and handrail lengths as well as the kind of wood you will be using.
4. Research the best kinds of materials and methods for your area. Your particular climate and unique natural circumstances will have a huge bearing on what materials will make the best decks.
5. Review the municipal codes with a mind toward improvement. If you have a design that actually exceeds the codes, but accomplishes it in a different way than the code dictates, then you can challenge the code with your design. This is usually quite successful since the municipal codes cannot cover every possible situation.
6. Concentrate your effort on meeting codes for railings, hand rails, foundations and stairs. These are usually the most specific areas in the codes and are written with a mind towards the safety of all who use your new deck. For example, most codes will require at least 35 inches between the walls or handrails for a stairway, with a maximum rise of 8 inches and a minimum tread the width of a 2 foot by 10 foot piece of lumber.

Tips & Warnings

• Most city departments will charge a nominal fee for printing services if you request a copy of the municipal codes. Though it is a small fee, it will add up if the document is several pages long. You can save this fee by downloading the documents from the city's website and printing them yourself.

Who Can Help:

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