Building Codes and Permits

Building Codes

Do I need a permit?

You may need to get a permit. Every city, county and township can be slightly different. It is ALWAYS a good idea to have your local building department review your project before beginning. The building department will need a plan of your project. Plans can be found in the plans section of our website. More technical building code information can be found Here. ALWAYS contact your local building department before building.

Does the Floating Foundation Deck System meet building codes?

When used according to DekBrands' recommendations, the Floating Foundation Deck System conforms to all national and regional building codes when the deck is unattached from the house. Even though it may comply with the states adopted building code, your city/county may not except this system. Due to the varying states building department structures, each township/county can be completely different. Even though a state may have one building code, the city may choose to impose greater regulations and restrictions. Verify with your local building department before starting any construction.

Building codes are based on interpretations. One inspectors interpretation of the code may be different than another inspector.

In the past few years, many states have adopted the International Residential Code. The International Residential Building Code has two specific sections that apply to residential deck construction:

"Section 105.2 - Work exempt from permit"
"1. One-story detached accessory structures, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58sqm)"

"Section 103.1.4.1 - Frost protection"
Exceptions to frost protection
" 1. Freestanding accessory structures with an area of 400 square feet (37 sqm) or less and an eave height of 10 feet (3048 mm) or less, shall not be required to be protected.
2. Decks not supported by a dwelling need not be provided with footings that extend below the frost line."

The Floating Foundation Deck System has been accepted in 49 of the 50 US states. New Jersey is the only state that does not allow the system to be used.

You can also look at our building code section to see how the DekBrands Floating Foundation Deck System meets national building codes, and obtain a copy of the engineering calculations and an evaluation.

What if my Building Department does not allow this type of system?

The Floating Foundation Deck System has been accepted in 49 of the 50 states. New Jersey is the only state that does not allow the system to be used. Building department policies vary widely from state to state, and each township/county may be completely different. Even though a state may have one building code, the city/county may choose to impose greater regulations and restrictions.

Sometimes, it just doesn't matter what the building code says, it is ultimately in the hands of your local inspector. However, the good news is that there is usually an appeals process for every city/county department. You may also contact your local city/county government office regarding appealing an inspector's decision.

Building codes are not black and white regulations. They are minimum requirements that one must follow. There are multiple ways and methods to meet these requirements. It's the interpretation of the building code that typically causes differentiation from city to city or even inspector to inspector.

Inspections

My Building Inspector requires footings to the frost line. What now?

Many times, this is due to lack of communication. The inspector may not be aware that you will be using a "floating system" or may be assuming that you'll be attaching the deck to the house. It is extremely odd for a local building code to "require frost footings for all decks." Typically frost footings are required if the deck is attached to a fixed object, similar to a house. The Floating Foundation Deck System is a different building method. Print out the plans you will be using and the technical reports from the building code section when presenting to the building department/inspector.

Can DekBrands talk to my Building Inspector?

We will not contact the local inspector on your behalf. Most inspectors do not have the time or desire to talk to us, especially from out of state. From our experience, it is far more effective when the homeowner initiates the conversation. We are available for conference calls or for the inspector to contact us. We would be happy to address any concerns they may have and clarify the details of our Floating Foundation Deck Systems.

Technical Information

Can I attach the Floating Deck to my house?

No. Attaching the deck to your house is not recommended. Your floating deck will be raising and lowering uniformly during seasonal changes. This will exert tremendous force on both your deck and your home's exterior, eventually causing damage to both. Even in the South, were frost does not occur, there is still movement. Attaching a floating does not conform to any building code.

Can I attach the Floating Deck to an existing deck or porch?

No. Just like attaching the Floating Deck to a house, attaching a Floating Deck to an existing deck or porch that's built with conventional construction methods will have the same effect. Eventually, both will be damaged due to seasonal frost heave. For more information on frost heave Click Here.