Anyone know if one requires a permit or any sort of zoning variance to build a deck or verandah on the front of one's house? I'm looking to do a few renovations this year...
The specs for a deck or veranda have recently changed regarding footings. Formerly, you were allowed to use posts and pads. Now you must install piles. That'll affect your pocket book somewhat. (I just heard about this change and thought I'd pass on the info.)
Now I think I'm going to have it done professionally, as opposed to doing it myself. The plans are a tad... elaborate, to say the least, and knowing this will now put construction far past my own skill level.
I built my deck without a permit because it was considered a replacement or repair - anyway it was inspected by the city and they were cool with that. My builder arranged this. I would have assumed you needed a permit, but it is mostly for new stuff, plumbing and electric, or demolition of structural features.
I guess you could build a new deck and say you rebuilt the old one, as you don't require a permit to repair/rebuild an old one...and who knows if you even had an old one for that matter.
Nieghbor down the street had to get a permit for front yard deck something to do with size would check with yours as they may not like it and have the right to complain.
The height of the deck for which you require a permit has recently changed, I only know that because last year when I checked, if the deck was 8" off the ground or more you needed a permit, now its 2' or more off the ground. - I'm talking open decks only, not sure about anything boxed in.
If you did build on pads, would you have issues when the ground froze/melted/froze again?
We're most likely putting a deck off our backyard this coming summer, I'm not looking forward to the bill for the materials :(
[quote][cite] Shaynelle:[/cite]The height of the deck for which you require a permit has recently changed, I only know that because last year when I checked, if the deck was 8" off the ground or more you needed a permit, now its 2' or more off the ground.[/quote]
Wonder why they changed that; or why 8" was ever a reasonable limit?
It's about safety. I suppose they now feel that you won't kill yourself if you fall 23 inches or less - although no parent is going to build a deck 23 inches off the ground without constructing a proper railing.