A deck permit site plan has specific requirements that go beyond a basic property drawing, particularly around height, attachment, impervious surface, and whether the deck is covered or open.
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Does a Deck Always Require a Permit?
Permit required in most US jurisdictions when:
- Deck is attached to the house
- Deck is over 200 square feet
- Any part of the deck is more than 30 inches above grade
- Deck is covered (has a roof or pergola with solid cover)
- Deck has electrical (outlets, lighting)
May not require a permit:
- Ground-level deck under 200 sq ft not attached to house — check locally
- Floating deck on grade in some jurisdictions
What a Deck Permit Site Plan Must Include
Universal required elements plus deck-specific:
Deck dimensions:
- Overall deck length × width labeled
- Shape shown accurately (L-shaped, wraparound decks need all dimensions)
Deck location on lot:
- Shown in correct position relative to house and property lines
Setback dimensions:
- Distance from deck edge to each property line labeled — all four sides
- Attached decks typically use principal structure setbacks: 25 ft front, 20 ft rear, 7.5 ft side (standard R-1 — verify your jurisdiction)
- Freestanding covered structures may use accessory setbacks — typically 5 ft rear/side
Deck height above grade:
- If deck is elevated, label the maximum height above grade
- Decks over 30 inches require guardrails per IRC — note guardrail height (36 inches minimum residential; 42 inches commercial)
Attachment to house:
- Show the ledger board connection point where deck attaches to the house
- Some jurisdictions require the connection details on a separate structural sheet
Staircase:
- If the deck has stairs, show stair location and direction on the plan
Impervious surface calculation:
- Deck adds to impervious surface coverage
- Note: open-slatted wood decks may count differently than solid surfaces in some jurisdictions — check locally
- Show existing coverage + proposed deck = total vs. zoning maximum
Covered Decks vs. Open Decks — Important Distinction
Open deck (no roof):
- Standard setbacks apply based on whether attached to house
- Impervious surface calculation includes the deck footprint
Covered structure (pergola with solid roof, patio cover):
- Treated differently from open decks in most US jurisdictions
- May be subject to same setbacks as the main house regardless of attachment
- Adds fully to impervious surface
- May require structural engineering if roof snow load or wind load is significant
- Requires separate electrical permit if fans or lighting are included
Deck Setbacks by State
Florida: Attached decks follow principal structure setbacks. Most FL counties: front 25 ft, rear 20 ft, side 7.5 ft. Screened enclosures (Florida rooms) are very common — these are typically permitted as covered structures.
California: Attached decks follow principal structure setbacks. Freestanding accessory structures: check your city — typically 3–5 ft rear/side.
Texas: Varies by city. Most TX cities: front 25 ft, rear 10–15 ft, side 5 ft for attached decks.
- Deck Permit Plot Plan Guide
- Get a Site Plan for Permit
- Residential Site Plans for Permits
- Zoning Laws for Pools, Fences, Decks
- Elevation Plan Drawing Services
- Why Site Plans Get Rejected
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