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Permit Procedure
Specifications
Sizing Lumber for a Deck
Joist Spacing (Deck Span)
Beam Sizes
Deck Requirement Checklist
Required Setbacks and Lot Coverage

Permit Procedure

1. Submit a completed permit application (Section *R-109).

2. Submit a copy of the Plat of Survey showing the proposed location of the deck, the overall dimensions and the distances from the lot lines and other buildings on the property.  (Decks cannot be built on an easement.)

3. Submit a set of plans indicating framing sizes and spacing, post hole locations, and details on railings and stairs (Section *R-110).

4. If a contractor is used, they must be licensed by the Village.

Specifications

Please note that these specifications are general and not comprehensive.  Additional changes or suggestions may be made by the inspectors at the time of the site check in order to ensure that all construction is performed to code.

1. Attached decks must meet the setback requirements for the applicable zoning district.  Exception: Steps or ramps not over four feet (4') wide by four feet (4') in depth, which are necessary for access to a permitted building or for access to a zoning lot from a street; unless existing ramps or stairs exceed four feet (4') in width, then a maximum of six feet (6') may be allowed (see Diagram 1).  In rear yards only, open terraces and decks with railings which are a minimum of 50% open, not over four feet (4') above the average level of the adjoining ground but not including permanently roofed-over terrace or porch (Section 11-4-3(E)(4)(e) - *VC).

2. Overhead electrical service lines must be ten feet (10') vertical from the deck floor and not within reach horizontally.  A permit will not be issued until service line is first moved (Section 230-24 - *NEC).

3. Post holes must be a minimum of eight inches (8") in diameter, posts may be buried in concrete or rest on the footing (an inspection is required), and forty-two inches (42") deep.  However, if a deck is over four feet (4') above grade, post holes must be a minimum of twelve inches (12") in diameter and posts must be a minimum of 6"x6".  (Section *R-403.1).

4. Decks over eighteen inches (18") high require railings; minimum railing height is thirty-six inches (36").

5. Stairs, with three or more risers, shall have handrails and guardrails to enclose the stairway.

6. Joist spans over ten feet (10') require bridging (Section *R-502.7.1).

7. Weed blocking fabric covered with pea gravel is required under decks which are less than thirty-six inches (36").

Sizing Lumber For A Deck

These charts will enable you to size beams, joists and decking boards for your deck.  They will also tell you the maximum distances you can span with a board of a particular size.  Span refers to the maximum distance a member can bridge between two supports.  Spacing refers to the maximum distance a member can bridge between two supports.  Spacing refers to the distance between identical members, such as joists or beams.  The spans indicated are for typical, pine-treated lumber.  Different species may require different spacing.  Spans may be increased if designed by a licensed architect or structural engineer.

Joint Spacing (Deck Span)

Beam Sizes

Example:  If the beams are 9' 8" apart, use the 10-foot column: 3 x 10 up to 6' spans, 4 x 10 up to 7', etc.

Deck Requirement Checklist

To expedite the review and issuance of the building permit application for decks, please complete a Deck Requirement Checklist.  This checklist is for open, unenclosed decks only.  If you desire to construct an enclosed or roofed deck, please consult with the Community Development Department for specific requirements.  Submit the Deck Requirement Checklist with your Permit Application.  These two forms can be printed from the Forms and Applications page in the Reference Desk section of our website.

Required Setbacks and Lot Coverage

Please note that all decks must conform to all required setbacks, except for steps or ramps not over four feet (4') wide in depth by four feet (4') in width, which are necessary for access to a permitted building or for access to a zoning lot from a street, and lot coverage requirements.  All detached accessory structures shall be located a minimum distance of five feet (5') from any other structures.

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This page last modified 04/09/08 .
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