The quick answer is: it depends. In the state of Georgia, deck permit requirements vary per county and per city. Roofing contractor ABM Services & Renovations shares an overview of deck permits. Outdoor decks can be classified as an extension or as a home addition depending on factors such as size or purpose.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Mar 13, 2022 · The quick answer is: it depends. In the state of Georgia, deck permit requirements vary per county and per city. Roofing contractor ABM Services & Renovations shares an overview of deck permits. Outdoor decks can be classified as an extension or as a home addition depending on factors such as size or purpose. As a
Are there new building codes for decks in Georgia?
Jan 31, 2020 · The quick answer is: it depends. In the state of Georgia, deck permit requirements vary per county and per city. Roofing contractor ABM Services & Renovations shares an overview of deck permits. Outdoor decks can be classified as an extension or as a home addition depending on factors such as size or purpose.
What are building permits in Georgia?
Jul 10, 2013 · July 10, 2013. Whether you're renovating your home or building a new commercial structure, you'll need to apply for a building permit with your city or county. Permits allow local governments to keep communities safe and comply with state construction code law. Here's information on getting building permits for the most populous cities and counties across the …
Can you build a deck that exceeds code standards?
While city regulations may vary, generally you will need to obtain a building permit for most construction work such as building a new structure or expanding or significantly modifying an existing structure. Substantial electrical, mechanical, …
How much does it cost to build a deck in Georgia?
Do I need consent for a deck?
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Cobb County Georgia?
Do you need a permit to build a deck in Gwinnett County Ga?
How close to property line can I build a deck?
How high can you build a deck?
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Cobb County?
Can a homeowner pull a building permit in Georgia?
How high can a freestanding deck be?
Do I need a permit to build a patio cover in Gwinnett County?
Do I need a permit to build a retaining wall in Gwinnett County?
How long does it take to get a building permit in Gwinnett County?
How Do I Know If I Need A Building Permit in Georgia?
Building permits are how local governments in Georgia regulate construction activity for the safety of the community. While city regulations may va...
Who Is Responsible For Issuing Building Permits in Georgia?
Generally building permits in Georgia are issued by the city where the property is located. The name of the office in charge of permitting can vary...
What If I Don’T Live in A Town Or A City? My Property Is in An Unincorporated Area, So Where Should I Go?
In the case of unincorporated areas, it is the Georgia county where the property is located that normally takes on the responsibility of issuing bu...
Who Can Apply For The Required Building Permits?
Again, your local government may have different regulations but generally in Georgia it is only the owner and contractor or subcontractors attached...
What is the office in charge of building permits?
The name of the office in charge of permitting can vary, but it is usually the Building Department or the Planning Department within your local city government. In some cities like Atlanta, there are different offices that issue permits depending on whether your project concerns a residential or commercial building.
Do you need a permit to build a new building in Georgia?
Building permits are how local governments in Georgia regulate construction activity for the safety of the community. While city regulations may vary, generally you will need to obtain a building permit for most construction work such as building a new structure or expanding or significantly modifying an existing structure.
How high does a deck need to be to get a permit?
If the deck is not being attached to anything and is 30 inches or higher it will also require a permit.
When it is time to sell your home, could it be revealed there was never a permit processed for the deck?
When it is time to sell your home it could be revealed there was never a permit processed for the deck. This could hurt you at the bargaining table financially as well as it might hold up the sale of your home.
How does bylaws affect deck construction?
The bylaws might affect how big of a deck you can build and how close to a property line, among other factors. We will explore different scenarios below.
What happens if a deck falls?
If a deck were to fall with people on it, someone could get seriously injured. One of the positive things about following protocol and getting a permit is that an inspector will come out to your site and inspect the construction. The inspector will identify if there is a safety risk and how to go about fixing it.
What information is needed for a deck?
Length, width and height of the deck will be required as well as where you are placing your beam (s). Other information potentially needed are:
Why do you have to tear down a deck?
Just think of all the money and time spent constructing a deck only to have to tear it down because it doesn’t meet code and is a safety risk.
Do people build decks with disregard for codes?
This happens all the time! People building decks with total disregard for any building codes they may be violating. The problem with this is, it’s not just codes they are bypassing.
Why do we need permits for decks?
Permits are issued by governments to ensure that any outdoor building project adheres to building codes, which are in place to ensure structures are safe. Cities, municipalities, and HOAs may also regulate additions and structures based on how the look will affect the neighborhood. The first step in your project should be to familiarize yourself with the various permits you need to secure to build your deck.
What is important to consider before building a deck?
Before you get started, it is important to consider not only what you want your deck to be built out of but how exactly the law needs you to build your deck. Larger decks often face strict regulations at the state, city, and municipality level. Which can, on the surface, make the building process seem a lot more complicated than it actually is.
How high should a deck be off the ground?
As a simple rule, you need a permit for any deck that is higher than 30 inches off the ground. This rule applies to most decks. Anything lower than 30” is often considered a patio or “porch deck,” and no permit is required. The reason for this and the reason for many of the other permissions you’ll have to wade through is safety. Any deck higher than 30” requires deck railings – and these railings must adhere to certain rules as well.
What is the minimum deck size for a deck?
Of course, this rule may change based on your location, but 30” is the standard. Any deck that exceeds the 30″ rule is going to need to be permitted and built to standards set forth by the municipality, city, and state. The permitting process is a simple matter of taking the time to research which permits you need and what parameters must be met to secure approvals.
What is the standard height for deck railings?
The reason for this and the reason for many of the other permissions you’ll have to wade through is safety. Any deck higher than 30” requires deck railings – and these railings must adhere to certain rules as well. Of course, this rule may change based on your location, but 30” is the standard.
Is permitting a process?
Navigating the permitting process can be a bit of a process – but we can help.
Is it easy to build a deck?
Building a deck can be quick and painless, especially with help from our decking experts. Familiarizing yourself with the various laws and permits required for outdoor decking in your area will save you a major headache in the future.
Can some contractors build decks without licenses?
I'm in Georgia, and I have noticed that some well-known deck contractors that have been in business for a while with many positive reviews do not show up as any type of licensed residential or general contractor in Georgia's state licensing database.
Comments (14)
Every state and municipality is different. You don't need a contractor's license to do a lot of things in my Town.
How much does a deck permit cost?
Permit Fee = generally, $160 flat rate for each deck and covered porch (with no walls). This will be evaluated upon submission of plans with a permit application.
How much slope does a deck need?
greater than 10m 2 (107 ft 2) and any part of the perimeter of deck is adjacent to ground that slopes away at more than 2:1 slope.
What is a deck and porch?
Decks and Porches. attached to a building. Even where a building permit is not required by the Town, the structure must still comply with the Zoning By-law and be constructed in accordance with Ontario's Building Code. Many plastic components for decks and guards are not approved for use by Ontario's Building Code.
What is the next step in building permit?
Design is the next step. You will need a set of construction drawings to submit to the Building Division for review before a permit can be issued and construction can begin.
Can you use plastic on a deck?
Many plastic components for decks and guards are not approved for use by Ontario's Building Code. You will require a Minister's Ruling or Building Materials Evaluation Committee approval if you wish to use plastic materials.
Do ledger boards need to be connected to framing?
Do ensure that any ledger boards that are attached to the house are positively connected to the framing. The inspector will need to verify this visually
Can you build a deck on a deck block?
Do not construct your deck on “deck blocks”. There are some exceptions; contact the Building Division by email for more information
