If you’re looking into building a new outdoor deck, you’ve probably wondered if you need to apply for a permit. In both New York and New Jersey, deck permit requirements vary depending per county and city, as well as the type of deck that will be installed by local decking and window replacement companies.
As one such company, PJ Sullivan Exteriors shares an overview of deck permits, and why they’re needed.
Outdoor decks can be considered an extension of the house area, depending on its size or purpose. Generally, if any part of a deck does not provide structural support for a roof or portion of a building, the deck installation may not require a permit.
However, according to the International Residential Code, a deck that’s to be constructed more than 30 inches above grade will require a permit. Additionally, decks below 30 inches in height can be exempt if they’re not attached to the house, do not exceed 200-square-feet in area and are not serving a required exit door, such as an emergency exit.
Renovation and door replacement companies need to apply for permits when building large-scale projects such as roofing installation to ensure compliance with international and local building codes. Compliance with such codes is important: it helps avoid anyone building houses with inadequate structural support or buildings that lack emergency egress.
In the case of outdoor decks, compliance with building codes through permits prevent safety issues resulting from incorrect building processes and subpar materials. If permits are required in your area and your deck is built without a permit, you or your contractor will be compelled to tear it down and rebuild it—that is, after you have an approved permit.
Many homeowners prefer to build their own outdoor decks, but hiring a deck contractor has many advantages. You’ll have the option to choose materials other than wood, you’re protected against installation mistakes and you don’t have to worry about whether or not you need a permit.
PJ Sullivan Exteriors is your leading provider of deck and custom entry doors installation. Give us a call at (201) 857-0600 or (914) 768-3002. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
