Decks and 3-Season Porches

Printable Handout for Decks and 3-Season Porches

Permit and Fees

A building permit is required for all decks and porches, together with a Deck Permit Supplement.

Permit fees for decks are set fee of $101.00 (includes state surcharge). 3-Season porches are based on construction cost, materials and labor, pursuant to Exhibit A of the City fee schedule based on Building Value Range.

Plan Submittal

Two (2) copies of the plans and one (1) copy of the site survey which you may draw yourself. Show all dimensions; specify types and sizes of materials - provide as much construction detail as you can.

Specific Requirements

Setbacks requirements vary by zoning districts. Please check with the Planning Department for the specific requirements for your property. In any case, no structure may encroach into any easement.
Should grading or construction require tree removal, the city may require a tree preservation plan illustrating tree protection, removal, and replacement. Please check with the Planning Department for more information.
Decks need to be designed for a 40-pound per square foot live load and balconies to a 60 pound per square foot live load.
Frost footings are required for any deck or porch that is attached to a dwelling or garage that has frost footings. All footings must be 42 inches in depth - minimum. The number and size of the footing is determined by design and size of the deck.
All exposed wood used in the construction of decks/porches is required to be of approved wood of natural resistance to decay (redwood, cedar, etc.) Or approved treated wood. This includes posts, beams, joists and decking.
Any composite or plastic decking materials must be approved by the Building Official prior to installation. Not all products are approved for use on stairs. Additional engineering may be required.
Joists should not overhang beams by more than two (2) feet, nor should beams overhang posts by more than one (1) foot unless a special design is approved.
All connections between the deck/porch and dwelling shall be weatherproof. Any cuts in exterior finish shall be flashed and caulked.
Header joist more than six (6) feet long and joists over twelve (12) feet long shall be supported by approved framing anchors such as joist hangers.
All decks that are 30" or more above grade must be protected by a guardrail. Such rails shall be 36" minimum in height. Open guardrails shall have intermediate rails or an ornamental pattern such that a 4" diameter sphere cannot pass through. Stair guard rails are such that a 4-3/8” sphere cannot pass through. Exception: On an open stairway, the triangular opening formed by the riser, tread and bottom element of a guardrail must be sized so that a six inch sphere cannot pass through.
Stairways having four or more risers shall have at least one handrail with handrail ends returned or terminated in posts. The top shall be placed 34” to 38” above the tread nosing. Handrail grip size shall be between 1-1/4” to 2-3/4” in cross-sectional dimension or the shape shall provide an equivalent gripping surface. Hand grips shall have a smooth surface with no sharp corners.
Minimum width is 36 inches. Maximum rise tread to tread is 7-3/4 inches. Minimum tread width is 10 inches. Largest tread width or riser height shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch. Open raisers are permitted provided a 4” sphere cannot pass through.
All exterior stairways shall be illuminated at the landing to the stairway. Illumination shall be controlled from inside the dwelling or automatically activated.
Windows located within a 5’ from bottom and 3’ from the top stair AND the bottom of the window is less than 5’ above the walking surface, the window glass IS REQUIRED TO BE TEMPERED.
Some deck designs may not be appropriate if placement of a screen porch or 3-season porch on the deck platform may be a future consideration. Setbacks for porches are not the same as setbacks for decks.