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Do you need a permit for a deck?

Whether a deck needs a building permit is decided by the city or county, not by one national rule. Of the 19 large cities whose deck rule we verified, 3 require a permit, 12 exempt smaller or simpler projects and require a permit above a limit and 4 publish only a general permit rule that does not name decks.

Last checked

On this page
  1. Deck permit rules in major cities
  2. Building permit and zoning are separate
  3. What the model code exempts (IRC R105.2)
  4. What cities charge for a deck permit
  5. Before you start
  6. Sources

Deck permit rules in major cities

Each row is the rule that applies in that city. "Depends" means the city exempts work below a limit; the limit shown is the number in the city's wording, and the conditions that go with it are on the city page.

CityPermit needed?Key limit
New York City, NYGeneral rule only1–
Los Angeles, CAGeneral rule only2–
Chicago, ILDepends on size or scope3Exempt up to this area (in-kind repair): 50 square feet3
Houston, TXDepends on size or scope4Exempt up to this area: 200 square feet4
Phoenix, AZGeneral rule only5–
San Antonio, TXDepends on size or scope6Exempt up to this area: 300 square feet7
San Diego, CADepends on size or scope8Exempt up to this area: 200 square feet9
Dallas, TXDepends on size or scope10Exempt up to this area: 200 square feet10
Jacksonville, FLGeneral rule only11–
Fort Worth, TXDepends on size or scope12Exempt up to this height above grade: 6 inches13
San Jose, CADepends on size or scope14Exempt up to this area: 200 square feet15
Charlotte, NCYes16Like-for-like replacement exempt? Load-bearing work needs a permit; windows, doors, siding, porch/deck pickets, railings, stair treads and decking replacement exempt17
Columbus, OHDepends on size or scope18Exempt up to this area: 200 square feet18
Indianapolis, INDepends on size or scope19Exempt up to this height above grade: 30 inches19
San Francisco, CAYes20–
Seattle, WADepends on size or scope21–
Oklahoma City, OKDepends on size or scope22Exempt up to this area: 200 square feet23
Philadelphia, PAYes24–
Austin, TXDepends on size or scope25Exempt up to this area: 200 square feet25

Building permit and zoning are separate

A building permit checks how the deck is built; zoning decides where it can go and how big it can be. In New York City and Indianapolis, work that is exempt from a building permit can still need zoning approval:

  • New York City. Any exemptions outlined by this rule will not grant authorization for any…26
  • Indianapolis. Minor Residential Structures: Structures that are subordinate and secondary to the primary residential use of a property, such as garages, carports, porches, decks or patios 18 inches or greater in height, mini-barns, sheds, workshops, swimming pools, hot tubs, porte-cocheres, bathhouses, cabanas, secondary dwelling unit, shelters for personal livestock, greenhouses, and other accessory buildings or structures similar and comparable in character to these uses.27

What the model code exempts (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 R311.4.28 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 R311.4.29 As published by Warner, NH (2015 IRC).

What cities charge for a deck permit

Fee lines as each city’s schedule states them, never added up into a total; how permit fees work explains valuation formulas and minimums.

CityFeeAs the schedule states it
New York City, NYAlteration work permit: One-, two- or three-family dwellingMinimum filing fee for the first $5,000, or fraction thereof, of the cost of alteration; plus $2.60 for each $1,000, or fraction thereof, of cost of alterations in excess of$5,000.1
San Antonio, TXCarport Covers and Decks FeeCarport Covers and Decks Fee $184.0030
Fort Worth, TX1. Permit Application Fee, Applicable to All Permit Types, Excluding Signs1. Permit Application Fee, Applicable to All Permit Types, Excluding Signs: 33.0831
Fort Worth, TX3. Technology Fee applicable to all applications/ permits3. Technology Fee applicable to all applications/ permits: 16.8731
Fort Worth, TX2. Reinspection fee2. Reinspection fee: 66.1531
Charlotte, NCTotal Construction Permit Value/Permit Fees (valuation table)$3,001 to $50,000 $59.70 plus $12.19 per $1,000 or part over $3,00032
Charlotte, NCCity of Charlotte - Residential Single-Family Reviews - Individual Residential Lot Review (zoning)$15533
Charlotte, NCCity of Charlotte - Stormwater Services Review: Additions, Deck, Pool, Retaining Wall, Shed, Detached Structure$5534
Columbus, OHDeck (1, 2, and 3 Family)Deck (includes 3 inspections) $35035
Indianapolis, INStructural Permit - Residential: Construction or placement of, or additions to, accessory Class 2 structureApplication $40; Review $150 (≤1,000 sqft) $25 per additional 500 sqft; Issuance $300 (200 - 1000 sqft) $25 per additional 500 sqft36
Seattle, WABuilding permit (with or without mechanical) – permit fee and plan review feePermit fee 100% of DFI; plan review fee 100% of DFI37
Seattle, WASTFI (subject-to-field-inspection) permit – permit fee and plan review feePermit fee 100% of DFI; plan review fee 40% of DFI37
Denver, COBuilding permit fee, valuation $1.00 to $500.00$1.00 to $500.00 $20.00 038
Denver, COBuilding permit fee, valuation $501.00 to $2,000.00$501.00 to $2,000.00 $35.00 038
Denver, COBuilding permit fee, valuation $2,001.00 to $25,000.00$2,001.00 to $25,000.00 $35.00 for the first $2,000.00 plus $8.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000.00 50%38
Oklahoma City, OKMinimum permit fee (new construction)Minimum permit fee · $55.00 · $75.00 · 60-12-9 (a)39
Nashville, TNBuilding Permit Fees for Residential Construction (one- and two-family, townhouses)1. Building Permit Fees for Residential Construction based on valuation. Residential construction includes one-family and two-family residential construction and townhouses as defined by the 2018 Edition of the International Residential Code, but not multi-family construction shall be $5.00 per $1,000 total valuation.40
Boston, MALong Form Building$50.00 Primary fee plus $10.00 per $1,000.00 of the estimated cost of work.41
Detroit, MIBuilding/Residential permit, project cost $2,000 or less$2,000 or less Flat $271.4342
Detroit, MIBuilding/Residential permit, over $2,000 but not over $25,000Over $2,000 but not over $25,000 First $2,000 Base $271.43 Per $1,000 or fraction thereof over $2,000 Per $1,000 $34.0942
Detroit, MIBuilding/Residential permit, over $25,000 but not over $100,000Over $25,000 but not over $100,000 First $25,000 Base $1,055.57 Per $1,000 or fraction thereof over $25,000 Per $1,000 $24.5342
Louisville, KYPartial alterations / structures other than buildings (valuation)The fee shall be $50 plus $2.50 per $1,000 of estimated cost.43
Memphis, TNDecks, spas and similar structuresCONSTRUCTION/REPAIR/ALTERATION TO DECKS, SPAS AND SIMILAR STRUCTURES $50.0044
Milwaukee, WIPlan review, shed or deckThe plan review fee for a shed or deck shall be $50.45
Albuquerque, NMAlbuquerque Regional Modifier, one- and two-family dwellings (applied to Table 112-A)(.50)46
Fresno, CADeck / Patio (non-engineered)Deck / Patio (non-engineered) 238.02 266.8347
Fresno, CADeck / Patio (engineered)Deck / Patio (engineered) 670.22 266.8347
Raleigh, NCZoning Permit Fee - 1&2 Family Dwellings Existing StructuresA Zoning Permit is required for residential development activity. $253.00 $261.00 Per Review48
Colorado Springs, COTable A building permit fee (row $1 to $500)$1 to $500 $50.0049
Colorado Springs, COTable A building permit fee (row $501 to)$501 to $2,000 $50.00 for the first $500 plus $2.00 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof, to and including $2,00049
Colorado Springs, COTable A building permit fee (row $2,001 to)$2,001 to $25,000 $80.00 for the first $2,000 plus $8.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,00049
Virginia Beach, VANon-heated residential, new and additions$50.00 plus $4.00 per 100 square feet of area or fraction thereof50
Oakland, CAResidential Building - Repairs/Additions/Alterations - R3 - Plan Review3. Residential Building - Repairs/Additions/Alterations - R3 - Plan Review · 17.0851
Oakland, CAResidential Building - Repairs/Additions/Alterations - R3 - Inspection4. Residential Building - Repairs/Additions/Alterations - R3 - Inspection · 26.1151
Tampa, FLDriveway, Patio Slab, Deck (residential)Driveway, Patio Slab, Deck $ 214.00 $ 527.0052
Arlington, TXResidential: Patio Cover, Screened Porch, Gazebo & DecksPatio Cover, Screened Porch, Gazebo & Decks* $300.0053
Aurora, COFlat rate: demolition, SFR deck, commercial signs, SFR patio cover$402 EACH • Demolition (full or partial building) • Single Family Residential Deck • Commercial Signs • Single Family Residential Patio Cover54
Aurora, COSales and Use Tax deposit (city)--Sales and Use Tax deposit · 3.75% of total construction materials cost55
Austin, TXApplication Processing Fee$112.7656

Before you start

Find your city’s deck rule with the permit checker. What to check before you buy materials (city limits, limits in the rule, zoning and HOA rules) and the order of the steps are in how to get a building permit; what an exemption does not cover is in work exempt from a permit.

Sources

  1. 2022 NYC Construction Codes, General Administrative Provisions (Admin. Code Title 28), Chapter 1 AdministrationCity of New York, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  2. SEC. 91.106. PERMITS. (LAMC Ch. IX, Art. 1, Div. 1)City of Los Angeles (Los Angeles Municipal Code, hosted by American Legal Publishing)Checked November 7, 2026
  3. What Types of Work Do Not Require a Building Permit? (Full List)City of Chicago, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  4. 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
  5. 2024 International Building Code Administrative Provisions (IBC Chapter 1), Phoenix amendmentsCity of Phoenix, Planning & Development DepartmentEffective August 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  6. Residential Improvements Permit ApplicationCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentRevised September 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  7. 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
  8. Information Bulletin 211: Residential DecksCity of San Diego, Development Services DepartmentRevised April 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. Frequently Asked QuestionsCity of Jacksonville (consolidated City of Jacksonville/Duval County), Public Works Department, Building Inspection DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  12. Residential PermittingCity of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  13. Fort Worth Administrative Building Code, Ordinance No. 25387-03-2022City of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentAdopted March 8, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
  14. DecksCity of San José, Development Services Permit Center (PBCE)Last updated March 23, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  15. 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
  16. City of Charlotte Residential Permit Guidelines (PDF)City of Charlotte, CLT Development Center (Planning, Design & Development)Checked November 7, 2026
  17. Frank Cappelli Stop Work Order OSFM Decision (appeal under G.S. 160D-1114)North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), Engineering and Building Codes DivisionPublished September 30, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. Get an Over-the-Counter permit for your exterior residential projectCity and County of San Francisco, Department of Building InspectionChecked November 7, 2026
  21. Decks - Construction and InspectionsCity of Seattle, Seattle Department of Construction & InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
  22. Amendments, 2018 International Residential Code (City of Oklahoma City and State of Oklahoma)City of Oklahoma City, Development Services Department, Development CenterChecked November 7, 2026
  23. 2018 Kentucky Residential Code, Third EditionCommonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Housing, Buildings and ConstructionPublished August 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  24. EZ Permit Standard: Deck (PB_018_F)City of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and InspectionsRevised August 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  25. Work Exempt From Building Permits | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  26. 1 RCNY §101-14 Categories of work that may or may not require a permitCity of New York, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  27. Indianapolis-Marion County Consolidated Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance (August 2026)City of Indianapolis, Department of Metropolitan DevelopmentEffective August 19, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  28. International Residential Code (IRC), Section R105.2City of Federal Way, WA, Community DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  29. Work Exempt from Permits, 2015 IRCTown of Warner, NHChecked November 7, 2026
  30. FY 2027 Development Fee ScheduleCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentRevised October 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  31. Ordinance No. 26-28781City of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  32. Mecklenburg County Government Fee Ordinance, Land Use and Environmental Services (revised July 1, 2026)Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners / Land Use and Environmental Services Agency (LUESA)Revised July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  33. FY27 Residential Zoning Fees (PDF)City of Charlotte, CLT Development Center (Planning, Design & Development)Effective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  34. FY 2027 Individual Residential Lot Fee Schedule (PDF)City of Charlotte, CLT Development Center (Planning, Design & Development)Effective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  35. 2026 Combined Development Related Fee ScheduleCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesPublished 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  36. Fee Schedule (as of January 5, 2026) [XLSX]City of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesEffective January 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  37. 2026 Fee Subtitle and related documents (SMC Chapter 22.900)City of Seattle, Seattle Department of Construction & InspectionsEffective January 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  38. Building and Land Development Fees - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  39. Development Services Fee Changes (Fees Changing July 1, 2025)City of Oklahoma City, Development Services Department, Development CenterEffective July 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  40. Codes Fee Schedule (Building-Permit-Fee-Scheudle-2025.pdf)Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Department of Codes and Building SafetyPosted December 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  41. Building Fees 5 15 23 (ISD fee schedule)City of Boston, Inspectional Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  42. City of Detroit BSEED Fee Schedule, Effective January 1, 2024, Modified 7/18/2025City of Detroit, Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)Revised July 18, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  43. LMCO Chapter 150.096 Promulgated Fees & Regulations, Construction Permits and Inspection Fees (Revised 2/6/2024)Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government, Department of Codes and Regulations, Office (Division) of Construction ReviewRevised February 6, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  44. 2022 Fee Schedule, Building Section FeesMemphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code EnforcementPublished 2022Checked November 8, 2026
  45. Milwaukee Code of Ordinances ch. 200, subchapter 5 (Fees)City of Milwaukee, Department of Neighborhood ServicesRevised November 8, 2024Checked November 8, 2026
  46. 2024 City of Albuquerque Uniform Administrative Code (Exhibit A)City of Albuquerque, Planning Department, Building Safety DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  47. City of Fresno Master Fee Schedule - Planning & Development Fees (effective 07/01/2026)City of Fresno, Planning and Development DepartmentEffective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  48. Development Fee Guide July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027City of Raleigh, Planning and DevelopmentEffective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  49. Fee Schedule - Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (Appendix B: Fee Schedule, 2023 PPRBC)Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD)Effective June 30, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  50. Residential Building Permit FeesCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Permits & Inspections DivisionRevised July 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  51. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Master Fee ScheduleCity of Oakland (Master Fee Schedule, Planning & Building Department section)Effective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  52. Miscellaneous Projects Permit Fee ScheduleCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated May 31, 2020Checked November 7, 2026
  53. City of Arlington Planning and Development Services Fee Schedule, Effective October 1, 2026 (Resolution No. 26-288)City of Arlington, Planning & Development ServicesEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  54. 2026 Flat Rate Fee Permits (Flat-Rate Fee, Revised 08/2026, Form #A175)City of Aurora, Development Services Department, Building DivisionRevised August 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  55. Development Fees Checklist - City of AuroraCity of Aurora, Development CenterEffective 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  56. City of Austin Fee Schedule | Residential Building Plan Review & Inspection Permit FeesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026