Deck Building Code Enforcement

International Residential Code (IRC)

• The International Code Council publishes the IRC for one- and two-family dwellings. The IRCs are model building codes that may be adopted by local governmental agencies in part or in full. The American Wood Council, or AWC, published the Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide based on the 2009 IRC. The guide details specific recommendations of materials and construction details along with drawings and specifications. Ask your local building department if they use IRC building codes.

Local Building Requirements

• Local building requirements are the fundamental codes that must be followed. Each region of the country has zoning regulations, climate conditions, soil conditions and particular geological and environmental concerns that are taken into consideration when drafting building codes. A region with high winds will require additional safeguards to prevent structures from flying off. Areas with particular soil or groundwater concerns may have regulations regarding foundation materials or anchoring techniques suitable for the area.

Plan Approval

• Before beginning your deck design, visit your building code enforcement department. They will have a handout of regulations and requirements. Many building departments have basic plans for decks, sheds and other outdoor structures that can be used as a starting point for your own design. Once you have the regulations and have completed your design, take it to the building code enforcement office for approval and a permit. The code officer may redline your plan to meet code. In this case, you will have to make the changes to your plan before a permit is issued.

Inspection

• Building code offices have an inspection schedule that requires a code officer to approve intermittent progress before continuing with additional steps. The inspection details will be given to you at the time your plans are approved. An inspector may want to see your footings and grade before allowing you to continue. The inspector will sign your permit as evidence that the requirements have been met and tell you when the next inspection will occur. It is the homeowner’s or builder’s responsibility to call the inspector to arrange a time for the visit. When all requirements are met and the deck is completed, your inspector will give a final approval.