Residential Decks

Getting Started

If you are erecting a new deck or removing or replacing an existing deck, a building permit is most likely required. Building permit applications are available online, at Paola City Hall, 19 East Peoria, or by calling (913) 259-3611.

Building Permit Requirements

Building plan that includes:
- Deck drawing that includes overall dimensions and framing details like ledger to house connection, joist size and spacing, post size and foundation details, and steps and guardrails details.
- Types of materials used
Site Plan that includes:
- All existing structures with distance to property lines
- Proposed deck and distance to property lines
- Locations of easements or rights-of-way
- Property address
- Property dimensions

Deck Construction Requirements

Below are some general requirements for decks as well as a permit and construction guide and a deck construction worksheet. Your deck will require additional guidance from the Building Inspection department if it is multi-level; will support a roof, hot tub, spa, sun room, etc.; has cantilevers exceeding code allowances or will exceed uniform floor loading of 40 pounds per sq. ft. live load and 10 pounds per sq. ft. dead load over the entire floor of the deck. The complete deck requirements from the 2018 International Residential Code can be viewed in Section R507 here.

All lumber must be treated (such as CCA) or wood with natural resistance to decay (such as cedar or heart of redwood).
A 10 foot vertical clearance and three foot horizontal clearance must be maintained from the new deck to any portion of overhead electrical wires.
Floors must support at least 40 pounds per square foot, in addition to the weight of the materials.
Joist hangers are required and should be installed according to manufacturer specifications.
Deck ledgers can not be attached to or through veneers like brick, stone or stucco. Indicate method of attaching ledgers to the house and how water run-off will be managed to maintain integrity of the house.
Footings must extend at least 36 inches below grade.
Guardrails are required if the deck is more than 30 inches above the adjoining surface. They must be at least 36 inches high and be solid or have ornamental rails that will not allow a four inches diameter ball to pass through.
Handrails are required on at least one side of all stairways with four or more risers. Handrails are required to be located between 34 and 38 inches measured vertically off the stair nosings. The handrail must be graspable with a circular cross section of 1 1/4 inches minimum to 2 inches maximum. Other shapes that provide an equivalent grasping surface are permissible; however, a 2-inch nominal dimension piece of lumber is not acceptable unless a finger groove is routed and the corners are rounded.

>>> Deck Construction Guide
>>> Deck Construction Worksheet
>>> 2018 International Residential Code, Section R507

Fees

The permit fee is based on valuation and is due when the permit is issued.

Inspections

You will need a pier/footing inspection PRIOR to pouring of concrete, a framing inspection and a final inspection upon completion of construction. Call (913) 259-3611 to schedule an appointment and have permit number available. It is best to call 24 hours in advance.

Penalty

The permit fee will be doubled if any work begins without first obtaining a permit.

Permit Expiration

Permits are valid for six (6) months from the date of issue and remain valid for up to one year as long as an inspection was made within 180 days of issue. A permit becomes null and void if work or construction authorized is not commenced within 180 days, or if construction or work is suspended for a period of 180 days at any time after work or construction is commenced. Permits shall be renewed annually. If a permit is null and void or expired, a new permit application and fee are required.

Please Note: For your protection, we encourage you to contact the utility location service (1-800-DIG-SAFE) prior to digging post-holes or any other digging or excavating.