Wood Deck Construction

Below you will find a summary of the code requirements for Wood Deck within the Village of Kildeer.

Required items to submit with application:

• Building Permit Application (signed by homeowner)
• Manufacturer Specification sheet/installation instructions – 1 Set
• Contractor Registration Form, $1,000,000 Certificate of Insurance listing homeowner as the additional insured pursuant to a written contract.  There is a $50 fee for registration.
• Copy of Roofers License (if applicable)
• 3 copies of Plat of Survey with the proposed location of the deck and stairs drawn to scale with dimensions.  Indicate the side and rear setbacks.
• 3 sets of plans drawn to scale with dimensions, elevations and details of the deck construction: size, reinforcement and materials.  Include an elevation showing the finished grade.
• Homeowners Association Approval (if necessary, written letter or email approval)
• Architecture Committee Approval
• $100 deposit

Construction Specifications:

• All work shall be installed in compliance with the 2009 International Residential Code.
• Decks with roof structure and screen rooms attached to the house must refer to the room addition requirements.
• Piers shall be a minimum of 8″ in diameter and 42″ below grade.
• Decks shall be designed to a minimum live load of 40 lbs. per sq. foot, balconies at 60 lbs.
• Piers are required for the support of all stairs.
• Remove all vegetation below deck. Install a landscape fabric or similar material and cover with a minimum 2″ of gravel.
• Posts shall be anchored to the concrete piers with approved galvanized metal anchors.
• Pre-Cast concrete pads on grade for deck support are not permitted.
• No deck shall be attached to a cantilever.
• Handrails shall have a minimum height of 34″ and a maximum height of 38″.
• Handrails are required on all stairs with three or more risers.
• Stairs are required to be a minimum of 36″wide.  Stairs in excess of 36″ in width shall have an additional stringer for each 36″ in width or part thereof.
• Stair treads shall be a minimum of 10″ deep.
• Stair risers shall have a maximum height of 7 ¼ inches and be closed.
• Indicate the location and depth of the piers.
• Stair tread and riser measurements must be consistent throughout the run of the stair.
• Stair locations shall be indicated on the plans in their exact location.
• The deck ledger shall be attached to the house with minimum 1/2 inch through bolts. Install flashing or caulk to weatherproof the ledger.
• No Deck Ledger shall be supported on stone or masonry veneer R502.2.2.2
• Approved Lateral Load Connection in not less than two locations per Deck R502.2.2.3
• Beams must be fastened to the posts with a minimum of 3/8 inch bolt or an approved galvanized post anchor.
• Joist hangers shall be installed at all locations where joists exceed 24″ in length where the joists butt into header, beams or ledgers.  Install with approved nails only.
• All posts shall be bolted to the deck framing with minimum 1/2 inch threaded through bolts.
• Decks 48″ or greater above grade require diagonal bracing at least 30″ in length at all posts.
• Guardrails shall be a minimum of 36″ in height.
• Guardrails may be closed.  Open guardrails shall have vertical members that will not allow the passage of an object 4″ in diameter.  Guardrails designed with a ladder affect are not permitted.
• Decks may be cantilevered a maximum of 24″.  Cantilevers exceeding 24″shall require a structural design signed and sealed by a design professional.
• Framing and decking material is to be pressure treated or of a decay resistant material.
• Bridging is required when joist spans are greater than 8′ between support beams.
• Notching, cutting, drilling or altering joists, beams and supports is strictly controlled by the code.
• Headers and adjacent framing shall be doubled and properly nailed together.
• Please include your deck’s height above grade on all plans.
• No Deck Ledger shall be supported on stone or masonry veneer.  R502.2.2.2
• Approved Lateral Load Connection if not less than two locations per Deck R502.2.2.3
• Include a plan view of all front, rear and/or side elevations.  Include a detail indicating the method of attaching the deck to the house.
• The plans shall indicate all electrical lines, meter locations, pedestals, windows/window wells, exhaust vents or items located within the construction area.

Where can my deck be located?

• Decks shall maintain a minimum of 35′ side yard setback and 50′ rear yard setback for a typical R1 zoning.  However, you should check with your HOA before starting this project.
• Residents are advised to check with their Homeowner’s Association (if applicable) for approval.

How much will my permit cost?

• Plan Review $75.00
• Permit fee determined by the scope of the work

Required inspections:

• Post Hole
• Framing
• Final Inspection
• Required Inspections may change depending on the scope of work.  A list of required inspections will be provided with permit approval.

Inspections:

• Call before 4:00 p.m. to schedule an inspection a minimum of 24 hrs. in advance.  You can request an a.m. or p.m. inspection, Monday thru Friday.
• Give the permit number and address when calling in for inspections.
• If the inspector needs to return more than once for the same phase of any required inspection, a $100.00 re-inspection fee is required to be paid before re-inspection.
• No re-inspection on the same phase of construction will be done in the same 24-hour period.

This handout is written as a guide to common questions and problems.  It is not intended nor shall it be considered a complete set of requirements.  If you have any questions, please contact the Building & Zoning Department at 847-438-6000 for further information.