Your deck will require a building permit. 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 permit. Please gather the construction documentation specified below and submit a building permit application and an owner / contractor affidavit. 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.

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 county code. Normally, permits can be issued within 10-15 business days if the application is complete, accurate, and code-compliant.

Submitted documents must contain sufficient information for the plan reviewer to be able to review the proposed construction.

• ___ Three (3) 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
• ___ 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

Your deck will require a series of inspections throughout the building process. At a minimum, your deck will require the following:

• Footing
• Framing
• Final

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.

Scheduling an Inspection

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.