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Deck code requirements

There is no single national answer: each city sets its own limit. Of the 19 city deck rules we verified, 12 state a limit in the city’s own wording; they are below, with the model code wording many cities start from. The other 7 (New York City, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Jacksonville, Charlotte, San Francisco and Seattle) do not state one of these limits for decks by name; their pages quote what they do say.

Last checked

On this page
  1. Deck limits by city
  2. The model code wording (IRC R105.2)
  3. Guards (IRC R312.1.1-R312.1.3)
  4. Sources

Most deck questions are two: does it need a permit, and how must it be built. Cities usually exempt small, low, freestanding decks from a building permit and require one for decks that are higher, larger, attached to the house or serving a required exit door. Built decks then have to meet the code for footings, ledger attachment, joists, guards and stairs.

Each limit below is quoted from the city's own rule. Many cities still apply zoning setbacks to exempt decks.

Deck limits by city

CityRuleValueThe city’s wording
Chicago, ILExempt up to this height above grade6 feetRepairing or replacing (in-kind) an entire exterior porch, deck, or stair system that is no more than 6 feet above the ground and has a landing area of 50 square feet or less…1
Chicago, ILExempt up to this area50 square feetRepairing or replacing (in-kind) an entire exterior porch, deck, or stair system that is no more than 6 feet above the ground and has a landing area of 50 square feet or less…1
Houston, TXExempt up to this height above grade30 inchesDecks | Up to 200 sq. ft. | Up to 30 in. above grade…2
Houston, TXExempt up to this area200 square feetDecks | Up to 200 sq. ft. | Up to 30 in. above grade…2
San Antonio, TXExempt up to this height above grade30 inchesUncovered decks accessory to one-and two-family dwellings not exceeding three hundred (300) square feet in area, that are not more than thirty (30) inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve a required exit door.3
San Antonio, TXExempt up to this area300 square feetUncovered decks accessory to one-and two-family dwellings not exceeding three hundred (300) square feet in area, that are not more than thirty (30) inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve a required exit door.3
San Antonio, TXAttached to the house: permit required?YesUncovered decks accessory to one-and two-family dwellings not exceeding three hundred (300) square feet in area, that are not more than thirty (30) inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve a required exit door.3
San Antonio, TXServes a required exit door: permit required?YesUncovered decks accessory to one-and two-family dwellings not exceeding three hundred (300) square feet in area, that are not more than thirty (30) inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve a required exit door.3
San Diego, CAExempt up to this height above grade30 inchesDecks accessory to buildings within the scope of the California Residential Code that do not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, that are not attached to a dwelling, and that do not serve the exit door required by the California Residential Code.4
San Diego, CAExempt up to this area200 square feetDecks accessory to buildings within the scope of the California Residential Code that do not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, that are not attached to a dwelling, and that do not serve the exit door required by the California Residential Code.4
San Diego, CAAttached to the house: permit required?YesDecks accessory to buildings within the scope of the California Residential Code that do not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, that are not attached to a dwelling, and that do not serve the exit door required by the California Residential Code.4
San Diego, CAServes a required exit door: permit required?YesDecks accessory to buildings within the scope of the California Residential Code that do not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, that are not attached to a dwelling, and that do not serve the exit door required by the California Residential Code.4
Dallas, TXExempt up to this height above grade30 inchesConstruction of platforms and decks on property that contains a single-family or duplex premises that do not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) in height above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling, are not be located in violation of the clearance of overhead service drop conductors, and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4 of the Dallas One- to Eight-Family Dwelling Code.5
Dallas, TXExempt up to this area200 square feetConstruction of platforms and decks on property that contains a single-family or duplex premises that do not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) in height above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling, are not be located in violation of the clearance of overhead service drop conductors, and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4 of the Dallas One- to Eight-Family Dwelling Code.5
Dallas, TXAttached to the house: permit required?YesConstruction of platforms and decks on property that contains a single-family or duplex premises that do not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) in height above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling, are not be located in violation of the clearance of overhead service drop conductors, and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4 of the Dallas One- to Eight-Family Dwelling Code.5
Dallas, TXServes a required exit door: permit required?YesConstruction of platforms and decks on property that contains a single-family or duplex premises that do not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) in height above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling, are not be located in violation of the clearance of overhead service drop conductors, and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4 of the Dallas One- to Eight-Family Dwelling Code.5
Fort Worth, TXExempt up to this height above grade6 inchesPlatforms, walks and decks not more than six ( 6) inches above grade and not over any basement or story below.6
San Jose, CAExempt up to this height above grade30 inchesDecks in Group R-3 occupancies that are not attached to a dwelling; do not exceed 200 square feet in area; do not serve a required exit door; and do not exceed 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point.7
San Jose, CAExempt up to this area200 square feetDecks, in Group R-3 occupancy, not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the required exit door.8
San Jose, CAAttached to the house: permit required?YesDeck is attached to a dwelling…9
San Jose, CAServes a required exit door: permit required?YesThe deck serves a required exit door…9
Columbus, OHExempt up to this height above grade30 inchesThe only exception is for decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to the dwelling and do not serve the required exit door.10
Columbus, OHExempt up to this area200 square feetThe only exception is for decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to the dwelling and do not serve the required exit door.10
Columbus, OHAttached to the house: permit required?YesThe only exception is for decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to the dwelling and do not serve the required exit door.10
Columbus, OHServes a required exit door: permit required?YesThe only exception is for decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to the dwelling and do not serve the required exit door.10
Indianapolis, INExempt up to this height above grade30 inchesNo part of the floor is more than thirty (30) inches above finished grade…11
Oklahoma City, OKExempt up to this height above grade30 inchesDecks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4.12
Oklahoma City, OKExempt up to this area200 square feetDecks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4.12
Oklahoma City, OKAttached to the house: permit required?YesDecks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4.12
Oklahoma City, OKServes a required exit door: permit required?YesDecks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4.12
Philadelphia, PAGuard required above this height30 inchesA structure 12” above grade is a deck, if the deck is 30” above grade it requires a guard rail…13
Austin, TXExempt up to this height above grade30 inchesA deck that is no more than 200 square feet (18.58 m2 ) in area, is no more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, is not attached to a dwelling or townhouse, does not provide egress from the dwelling, and is not located within a flood hazard area.14
Austin, TXExempt up to this area200 square feetA deck that is no more than 200 square feet (18.58 m2 ) in area, is no more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, is not attached to a dwelling or townhouse, does not provide egress from the dwelling, and is not located within a flood hazard area.14
Austin, TXAttached to the house: permit required?YesAre not attached to a dwelling or townhouse…15
Austin, TXServes a required exit door: permit required?YesDo not provide egress from the dwelling…15

The model code wording (IRC R105.2)

The International Residential Code (IRC) is a model code. It is law only where a state or city adopts it, usually with changes, so the wording below shows how the model reads in published government copies, not the rule where you live.

  • Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling, and do not serve the exit door required by IRC, Section R311.4.16 As published by Federal Way, WA (2021 IRC wording, with Washington and local amendments).
  • 10. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4.17 As published by Warner, NH (2015 IRC).

Guards (IRC R312.1.1-R312.1.3)

  • R312.1.1 Where required. Guards shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces, including stairs, ramps and landings, that are located more than 30 inches (762 mm) measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 36 inches (914 mm) horizontally to the edge of the open side.18 As published by Bonney Lake, WA (2012 IRC).
  • R312.1.2 Height. Required guards at open-sided walking surfaces, including stairs, porches, balconies or landings, shall be not less than 36 inches (914 mm) high measured vertically above the adjacent walking surface, adjacent fixed seating or the line connecting the leading edges of the treads.18 As published by Bonney Lake, WA (2012 IRC).
  • R312.1.3 Opening limitations. Required guards shall not have openings from the walking surface to the required guard height which allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter.18 As published by Bonney Lake, WA (2012 IRC).
  • Guards shall be provided for those portions of open-sided walking surfaces, including floors, mezzanines, lofts in accordance with Section R333, stairs, ramps, and landings, that are located more than 30 inches (762 mm) measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 36 inches (914 mm) horizontally to the edge of the open side.19 As published by Washington (statewide) (WAC 51-51 (Washington amendments to the 2021 IRC), effective March 16, 2024).

For permits, fees and inspections city by city, see the deck permit guide.

Sources

  1. What Types of Work Do Not Require a Building Permit? (Full List)City of Chicago, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  2. One-Stop Residential Projects, 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) (Houston Permitting Center training…City of Houston, Houston Permitting CenterPublished February 26, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  3. Chapter 10 Building-Related Codes (2024 International Building-Related Codes), City Code of San AntonioCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentEffective May 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  4. SDMC Chapter 12, Article 9, Division 2: Building Permit ProceduresCity of San Diego, San Diego Municipal Code (docs.sandiego.gov, Office of the City Clerk)Revised September 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  5. Chapter 52: Administrative Procedures for the Construction Codes (City of Dallas booklet, current through April 23,…City of Dallas, Planning & Development DepartmentLast updated April 23, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  6. Fort Worth Administrative Building Code, Ordinance No. 25387-03-2022City of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentAdopted March 8, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
  7. When Is a Building Permit Required?City of San José, Development Services Permit Center (PBCE)Last updated June 12, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  8. Draft Ordinance amending Title 24 (Technical Codes) of the San José Municipal Code (Council Agenda 10/28/2025, Item…City of San José, City Council (Legistar)Published October 16, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  9. DecksCity of San José, Development Services Permit Center (PBCE)Last updated March 23, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  10. Construction Industry Communication #23: 1, 2 and 3 Family Dwelling Decks and Exterior Egress ComponentsCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesRevised April 3, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  11. 2016 Building Standards and Procedures of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis (Chapter 536 etc.)City of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesEffective January 1, 2018Checked November 7, 2026
  12. 2018 Kentucky Residential Code, Third EditionCommonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Housing, Buildings and ConstructionPublished August 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  13. EZ Permit Standard: Deck (PB_018_F)City of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and InspectionsRevised August 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  14. Work Exempt From Building Permits | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  15. Ordinance No. 20250410-040 (2024 International Residential Code and local amendments, City Code Ch. 25-12 Art. 11)City of Austin, City CouncilEffective July 10, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  16. International Residential Code (IRC), Section R105.2City of Federal Way, WA, Community DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  17. Work Exempt from Permits, 2015 IRCTown of Warner, NHChecked November 7, 2026
  18. Building Handout: Guard ConstructionCity of Bonney Lake, WA, Building DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  19. WAC 51-51-0312 Section R312—Guards and window fall protectionWashington State Legislature (Washington Administrative Code)Effective March 16, 2024Checked November 7, 2026