
Can a carpenter build a deck? Most communities in Ohio require permits for building decks onto new and existing homes. Applicants must submit property plot plans (which show the house and deck location) as well as drawings of the deck layout, post location, footing sizes and support beams.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
You need a permit to build a deck if it is attached to your house, 30 inches above grade, or over 200 square feet. If the deck is under 30 inches tall, less than 200 square feet, and freestanding you don’t need a permit. Permit guidelines vary from county to county, so always check with your local governing authority for the rules in your area.
What is the process of applying for a deck permit?
The process of applying for a deck permit is relatively painless although it does require a little planning. First, you will need to find out who issues building permits in your area and where you need to go to apply for one.
Do I need Hoa permission to build a deck?
Some housing developments are a part of a Home Owners Associations (HOA) that requires you to receive permission from them before building a deck... For a residential deck, the code requires it be designed to support a minimum 40-psf live load. Learn more about how much to put on a deck psf at Decks.com. Installing a patio is a big project.
What do I need to build a deck on my property?
You will usually need to submit a completed application, two sets of construction plans, and a site plan showing the location of the deck in relation to the house and property lines. If you are a contractor, the Building Inspections Department will probably ask for a copy of your contractor’s license for their records.

Do I need consent to build a deck?
If you plan to build a deck that is up to 1.5m high, you don't need a building consent but you may still need a resource consent, depending on the rules in the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan. If your deck is more than 1m high, it must have a handrail.
How deep do footers need to be for a deck in Ohio?
4 Minimum depth. Exterior footings shall be placed not less than 12 inches (305 mm) below the undisturbed ground surface. Where applicable, the depth of footings shall also conform to Sections 403.1.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Cincinnati Ohio?
Permits are required for the following: New buildings. Additions (bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms, etc.) Alterations (decks, garages, fences*, carports, awnings, haunted houses,interior demolition etc.)
Do you need a permit to build a deck in Toledo Ohio?
New roof coverings, window replacements, new siding (except small areas of replacement), decks, new steps (or rebuilding steps), fences (new or replacement) all require permits.
How high can a deck be without a railing in Ohio?
312.1 Requires a 36 inch high guardrail be provided on all decks where the grade is more than 30 inches to the deck surface when measured 3 feet out from the edge of the deck. The guardrail shall be provided along the edge of the deck surface and or perimeter fixed seating.
What is a floating deck?
A floating deck is a deck that isn't attached to a building and they “float” above the ground. Generally, floating decks are low to the ground and don't require handrails or even staircases. They are sometimes called “grade-level” or “freestanding” decks because they're built just above the ground level, or grade.
Do I need a permit to build a floating deck in Ohio?
Rather than being attached to the house, floating decks are freestanding and “float” on top of the ground. Most floating decks differ from standard builds in that they are less time consuming and don't require a permit.
What requires a permit in Ohio?
In Ohio, the basic rule is that the construction of all new buildings and work that structurally changes existing buildings through remodeling and additions will require a building permit. Most electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work beyond basic repairs will also require a building permit.
Do you need a permit to build a fence in Ohio?
A fence 6 feet or less in height does not require a building permit, but the Zoning Code regulates the placement of fences even if they are less than 6 feet tall under certain circumstances related to safe visibility for motor vehicle operation. 3.
Do you need a permit to remodel a bathroom in Ohio?
The short answer: You usually need permits to remodel a bathroom. You will need a permit from the Department of Buildings if changes are made to plumbing, electrical, or structural components of your home.
Do you need a permit to replace a furnace in Ohio?
Permits are required for all new installations, replacement units, pre-fab fireplaces, wood burning stoves, furnace add-ons, commercial kitchen hoods, hood suppression, metal chimney alterations, duct re-work and any related mechanical devices.
Do you need a permit for a fence in Toledo Ohio?
When do I need a permit? Fences taller than 6 feet require a building permit and plan review. All fences require certificate of zoning compliance. Fencing repairs can be made without a permit/certificate if the area being replaced is 100 square feet or less and will match the existing fencing material.
How deep should my deck footings be?
For most deck applications, in most jurisdictions, the width of a footing should be 20 inches round and a minimum of 24 inches deep. It is important that the base of the footings be solid, and in many cases you will need to keep digging until you reach undisturbed soil.
How big do deck footings need to be?
FOOTINGS: - Poured concrete footings should be a minimum of 8” wider than the posts (4x4 post – 12” min. width, 6x6 post – 14” min. width), a two level deck or deck with roof – 24”x24”. - The bottom of the footings must be a minimum of 36” below finish grade level.
How deep is the frost line in Columbus Ohio?
32 inches(Ord. 733-06 § 21.) 4125.03 - Ohio Building Code, Structural—Frost line. The standard frost depth for OBC governed construction shall be 32 inches (813 mm).
How deep do post need to be for a deck?
Set footers a minimum of 6 inches below the frost line for your area to prevent movement during freezing temperatures. Pour about 6 inches of all-purpose gravel into postholes and pack the gravel tight by using the end of a wooden post. Place a cylindrical concrete form in the posthole.
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.
How to Draw & Submit Deck Plans for Permits
To apply for a deck permit you will usually need to supply (2) copies of scale drawings of the framing plan view (overhead) of your proposed deck. In some cases, you may be asked to also provide an elevation drawing (front or side view) to communicate even more information about the deck.
How to Apply for a Deck Permit
The process of applying for a deck permit is relatively painless although it does require a little planning. First, you will need to find out who issues building permits in your area and where you need to go to apply for one.
How to Draw Site Plans
The Zoning Department will need to review a site plan to make sure that the location you are planning on installing the deck doesn’t encroach with any setbacks or easements. Most houses built since the 1980s will have a professional property survey document included with the closing papers.
How to inspect a deck?
The inspector needs to see that your deck will be a certain distance away from property lines. This ensures you: 1 Comply with fire codes. If your deck were to catch fire, it needs to be far enough away from other properties to ensure they don’t catch fire as well. 2 Comply with planning/zoning rules/HOA requirements. Some neighborhoods require a certain amount of space in between properties for aesthetic reasons.
What does a deck inspector need to see?
The inspector needs to see that your deck will be a certain distance away from property lines. This ensures you: Comply with fire codes. If your deck were to catch fire, it needs to be far enough away from other properties to ensure they don’t catch fire as well. Comply with planning/zoning rules/HOA requirements.
Why Do I Need a Permit?
However, most decks do require a permit because of their size and construction requirements.
What If I Hire a Contractor?
Licensed contractors face the same permit requirements as homeowners when building a deck.
Why is it important to have a deck?
Decking provides new functionality for your garden or yard. Throwing a cookout can get cold on the grass, and without a dry place to sit, limits the time spent outside your property if it rains. Decks are also easy on the eyes: a good deck will make your property look updated and attractive and can even increase its sale value.
What happens if you build a house without a permit?
Building without the proper permit means you could face fines or even be unable to sell your house because it contains an unauthorized addition.
How to get a building inspection?
Generally speaking, the process involves a few different steps. First, contact your city’s Building Inspections Department. You can do this by visiting your city hall or finding the contact information via a quick Google search. Once you contact your city’s department, they will tell you how to proceed.
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.
Why do you need a permit for a deck?
Because of the construction requirements and general size of any deck, a permit is needed to ensure that the finished product matches the city’s safety standards and regulations. Obtaining a permit is also a great way to ensure that the deck is structurally sound and will hold up in all conditions. When built correctly, ...
What happens if you build a deck without a permit?
In fact, there are six separate consequences that you could face. The first is that your project could be shut down immediately. If the city finds that you’re building a deck without a permit, a “Stop Work” sign could be placed on the door to your home.
What happens if you don't get a permit?
The sixth and final consequence that you could encounter if you don’t seek a permit is that you could be tasked with making repairs or tearing down any work that you’ve performed to this point. If an aspect of the project doesn’t adhere to local building codes, you will likely be tasked with making alterations or extensive repairs that only serve to cost you more money. If some or all of the work needs to be demolished, the expenses can be high, which may make the project cost-prohibitive.
Can a deck be denied?
In general, there are only two separate reasons why a permit would be denied in this situation. These reasons include:
