| Many municipalities consider that a deck | | | | Step #3: In the event that approval has |
| is a permanent addition to a home. | | | | been given to your project, pay for and |
| Therefore there are rules that set out | | | | obtain your deck permit. Once |
| the depth of footings, prescribe choices | | | | construction begins make sure that the |
| in terms of materials and clearly | | | | municipal inspection personnel are |
| indicate dimensional aspects involved | | | | notified when you have reached the |
| with building a structure such as a | | | | various stages for construction |
| deck. Thus it is a wise decision to | | | | inspection. Ensure that the work done is |
| visit your local municipal building | | | | of a high quality to clearly demonstrate |
| department prior to the start of a deck | | | | that you are closely following the |
| building project. Individual homeowners | | | | apporoved plan and completing all |
| who plan to construct a deck for | | | | construction work in the correct manner. |
| themselves share the same | | | | Unfortunately, failure to comply with |
| responsibilities of following the local | | | | local building codes can in extreme |
| building codes as professional | | | | situations result in a stop work order |
| contractors and carpenters. | | | | and/or demolition of what has been |
| Local municipalities create these | | | | built. |
| building codes to establish building | | | | In addition to building codes there are |
| standards for safety purposes, for | | | | 2 other very important factors that |
| aesthetic reasons and to ensure that | | | | homeowners must be aware of and comply |
| what is constructed will last for | | | | with in the deck planning and |
| extended periods of time. "Working to | | | | construction process. |
| code" means becoming acquainted with and | | | | Zoning ordinances govern property uses |
| understanding local building codes and | | | | as well as the location of structures |
| making use of them during the | | | | within its boundaries. They can set |
| construction process. | | | | minimum setbacks from property lines and |
| Step #1: | | | | regulate the size of a deck. Some |
| Do your homework ahead of time. Get as | | | | municipalities choose to follow deed |
| much information as possible in advance | | | | restrictions to regulate the value of |
| about local construction requirements | | | | properties or architectural choices. |
| and incorporate it into your deck | | | | These controls may limit the style of a |
| planning process. Municipalities often | | | | deck or the material choices used in its |
| have pamphlets, brochures and deck | | | | construction. |
| building bylaw guidelines for this | | | | Easements and rights of way are also |
| purpose that homeowners can easily | | | | factors to consider in the deck building |
| access by visiting the local municipal | | | | process. They guarantee for example |
| building department. And they're free! | | | | utilities access to their lines and may |
| If you have questions phone or make an | | | | affect the specific location of a deck. |
| appointment to speak with staff members | | | | Generally, utility companies welcome the |
| at the building department. They can | | | | opportunity to locate the path of |
| readily answer your questions and clear | | | | underground lines through a property and |
| up any misconceptions on your part. | | | | will do it for no charge. |
| Step #2: Draw up your deck plan | | | | Building codes and the permit process |
| indicating its placement on your | | | | are established to be safeguards for the |
| property in relation to your home, its | | | | proper construction of structures within |
| dimensions and material types. Make sure | | | | the community. Following these building |
| that the different elevations are | | | | code standards will ensure that your |
| clearly drawn and labelled. Include a | | | | deck will not only look aesthetically |
| copy of your property site plan for | | | | pleasing to those who use it but will |
| reference if required or possible. Be | | | | last for many years and provide a seafe |
| prepared for changes to be made to your | | | | environment for the present and future |
| deck plan. | | | | owners. |