RESIDENTIAL DECK / OPEN PORCH PERMIT

BUILDING PERMIT

A building permit is required for all decks constructed in Howard County. Applications can be processed at any time but homeowners, contractors and owner’s agents may wish to apply for a deck permit during the Residential Walk Through Process held on Wednesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. This procedure allows the same day issuance of building permits for decks. Applications must be made in person at the Front Counter of the Licenses and Permits Division, 3430 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD. (410)313-2455

The Department of Planning and Zoning will review the permit application for setback and zoning requirements. The Plan Review Division will also review the proposed plan for building code compliance.

ELECTRICAL PERMIT

An electrical permit is required if there will be outlets, lighting on the deck or open porch. A licensed electrician must obtain an electrical permit

WHAT IS REQUIRED

• A completed building permit application
• 4 copies of plot plans drawn to scale showing deck or porch
• Completed Deck Attachment Affidavit of Compliance
• Payment of fee payable to the Director of Finance

DECK SUPPORT BEAMS

The deck support beam illustration provides guidelines for below and above grade post requirements, floor joists spacing, carriage bolt support, and other structural issues.

Deck Support Beam Illustration

HOW TO ATTACH DECK

Deck Attachment Shall Be Done By One of the Following Methods

1. The new or replacement deck will be attached to an existing conventional 2x _ lumber floor framing system.

Method #1 Illustration

2. The ledger must be supported by additional structural support, lagged into the House Foundation Wall.

Method #2 Illustration

3. An independent beam and column system can be used if the following conditions can be met:

• Ledger is required to be attached to the house (for lateral stability only).
• Columns must bear on undisturbed soil, or solid bearing material
• Cross bracing of all structural members must be done in 2 directions of the vertical plane (embedded post may suffice).

Method #3 Illustration

Method #1, #2, and #3 are drawings intended as a GUIDE for Deck Construction in Howard County. This is a guide only and not a substitute for knowledgeable construction experience.

GENERAL NOTES

• Footings must extend 30" inches below grade, and have a minimum footing thickness of 8 Inches.
• Decks extending up to 14 feet from the house with 2 feet cantilever, and a maximum column spacing of 10 feet apart, shall have a footing size of at least 18 inches diameter or 16"x16".
• Decks up to extending up to 16 feet from the house with 2 feet cantilever, and a maximum column spacing of 12 feet apart shall have a footing of at least 22 inches diameter or 20"x20" inches square.
• Handrails shall be provided on one side of stairs (maximum 2 5/8" or minimum 1 1/4" diameter)
• Guard opening shall not allow passage of a 4 inch diameter sphere, or constructed with horizontal rails or other ornamental pattern that results in a ladder effect.

Permits>>Residential: Deck / Open Porch