RESIDENTIAL DECK REQUIREMENTS

RESIDENTIAL DECK REQUIREMENTS

A building permit is required for the replacement, remodeling, or alteration of a deck. All work shall comply with the currently adopted Building Codes and applicable local amendments.

This requirement applies to all residential property types, including:

• Single Family
• Two-Family dwellings
• Townhomes/Coach
• Condominiums/Apartments

SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Completed permit application
• Scope of work
• Plat of survey showing the location and size of the proposed deck (highlighted). The distance (in feet) between the deck and each property line shall be provided.
• Construction drawings indicating framing, pier, guardrail, and stair details

CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

• Deck Framing Plan Details, including:
  • Footing and pier details
  • Wood species, post sizes, and beam span details
  • Joist spans, joist-to-beam connections, rim joists, and joist hanger details
  • Ledger board details, including exterior sheathing, existing stud wall, floor joists, siding type (brick or veneer), and flashing
  • Lateral bracing and/or tension devices identified on plans (Figures R507.9.2(1) and (2))
  • Structural engineer’s report required for decks supported by cantilevers
  • Overhang details
  • Fastener types and spacing
• Guardrail Details (required for decks over 30 inches above grade), including:
  • Minimum guardrail height of 36 inches
  • Baluster spacing (shall not allow passage of a 4-inch sphere)
  • Guardrail attachment details
• Stair and Handrail Details (required for stairs with three or more risers – Village of Wheeling Amendments), including:
  • Handrail height: minimum 34 inches measured from stair nosing (34–38 inches per R311.7.8.1)
  • Maximum riser height: 7¾ inches; risers shall not vary by more than 3/8 inch
  • Open risers shall not allow passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere
  • Minimum tread depth: 10 inches, including nosing details
  • Stair stringer and stair footing details
  • Handrail grip size
• Weed barrier detail shall be provided
• All wood in contact with concrete shall be pressure-treated in accordance with AWPA standards or be decay-resistant wood

ZONING REQUIREMENTS

• Decks may project up to five (5) feet into the required front or rear yard setback
• If located within a setback:
  • Front yard decks shall not extend more than five (5) feet from the front wall
  • Rear yard decks shall not extend more than twelve (12) feet from the rear wall
• Maximum height for a covered deck is twenty-four (24) feet measured from finished grade to the top of the structure, or no taller than the principal structure, whichever is less
• Decks shall not be located within any easement

REQUIRED INSPECTIONS

• Pier inspection
• Framing inspection
• Final inspection

Construction hours are Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Construction on Sundays is prohibited.

                                             NOTE: Call JULIE (811) before you dig.

Note that this information is meant to be a basic guideline. Depending on the individual project, there may be further requirements.

For Help with deck construction requirements click the link below.

ENGLISH

https://awc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/AWC-DCA62012-DeckGuide-1405.pdf

SPANISH

https://awc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/AWC-DCA62015-DeckGuide-Spanish-1901.pdf  

If you belong to a Homeowners Association, a letter of permission for installation is required by the Village if required by the Association.