Introduction
Building a deck is an excellent way to enhance your outdoor space, but one important question is, “Do I need a permit to build a deck in Spokane?” The answer is often yes. Local regulations, especially those specific to the heavy snow loads in Spokane, Washington, make obtaining a deck permit essential. At Pacific Northwest Decks, we specialize in guiding homeowners through the entire permitting process to ensure safety, compliance, and peace of mind. In this blog post, we’ll cover why permits are required, how to obtain them, and what happens if you build without one.
Why You Need a Building Permit for Deck Construction
Ensures Safety and Compliance
The main reason for getting a permit is to ensure that your deck complies with Spokane deck regulations and safety codes. Building codes exist to make sure that structures like decks can withstand environmental stressors like heavy snowfall, which is common in Spokane.
Key compliance requirements include:
- Footings must be at least 2 feet deep to reach below the frost line.
- Railings must be 36 inches tall if the deck height exceeds 32 inches.
- Stairs with more than 7 steps need middle support to prevent sagging.
Permits ensure that all these aspects are checked and approved, preventing potential hazards. If you’re planning a deck build, take a look at our guide on How to Build a Deck for more insight.
Protects Against Faulty Construction
Permits are a critical safety measure to protect against poor construction. The process requires detailed deck plans, which Spokane’s local building authorities review for compliance. Proper review catches potential issues, such as inadequate footing depth, missing stair support, or undersized joists, before they turn into safety risks.
At Pacific Northwest Decks, we’ve assisted many homeowners in Spokane with their deck permit applications, ensuring their projects meet Spokane’s deck building regulations.
Helps Maintain Property Value
Building your deck with the correct Spokane deck permits helps maintain and even enhance your property’s value. When you decide to sell, having a permit in place assures potential buyers that the deck was built to code. It also makes the inspection process smoother, avoiding potential issues that could slow down or derail the sale.
To learn more about how investing in a compliant deck impacts your home’s value, read our article on How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck?.
When Is a Deck Building Permit Required?
Varies by Location and Deck Size
Permit requirements vary based on local regulations and the size of your deck. In Spokane, the following generally require a permit:
- Decks taller than 32 inches off the ground.
- Decks larger than 200 square feet.
- Decks with stairs, railings, or other safety features.
Even for lower-level decks, it’s always best to confirm with the local building department to ensure compliance with Spokane deck regulations.
Typically Required for Structures Over a Certain Height or Size
If your deck exceeds a certain height or size, a permit is typically required. This ensures that the deck meets critical safety standards, such as railing height and stair stability. For example, decks over 32 inches must have railings at least 36 inches tall, while decks with longer staircases need middle supports.
How to Obtain a Deck Permit
Contacting Your Local Building Department
Your first step in obtaining a permit is contacting your local building department. They can provide you with specific requirements for your deck, including necessary plans and documents. At Pacific Northwest Decks, we offer guidance through this process to ensure everything is done correctly.
Submitting Necessary Plans and Documents
When submitting plans for a Spokane deck permit, you’ll need:
- Site plans showing the deck’s layout in relation to property lines (setback requirements).
- Detailed framing plans, including beam calculations and footing details.
- Your home address, along with homeowner and contractor information.
Plans are reviewed to ensure they comply with Spokane’s building codes, including snow load requirements, railing height, and footing depth.
Pacific Northwest Decks’ Expertise and Fees
At Pacific Northwest Decks, we manage the entire permitting process for you. While the average permit cost in Spokane is around $600, our service fee is $1,200. This covers drafting detailed plans, submitting them to the city, and handling the permitting process to ensure compliance and save you time.
If you’re interested in a hassle-free permit process, contact us today.
Paying Applicable Fees
The permit application fee itself typically costs around $600 in Spokane. This fee covers plan reviews, inspections, and administrative processing. It’s an essential step in ensuring that your deck complies with local building codes.
Permit Application Checklist
To help you get started, here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll need to apply for a Spokane deck permit:
- Complete the permit application with home and contractor information.
- Prepare a detailed site plan showing setback requirements.
- Include framing plans, beam calculations, and footing details.
- Submit the plans to the local building department.
- Pay applicable fees.
Following this checklist ensures a smoother application process and helps prevent delays.
Potential Consequences of Building a Deck Without a Permit
Fines and Penalties
Building without a permit can lead to fines and additional permit fees. However, the biggest cost often comes from having to modify or rebuild the deck to comply with Spokane deck regulations. In some cases, entire decks have had to be removed and rebuilt, doubling the cost.
Difficulty Selling or Insuring Your Home
Homeowners in Spokane have reported that insurance companies are using drones to inspect properties. If they discover an unpermitted deck, coverage could be denied, or you could be required to bring the deck up to code to maintain insurance. Proper permitting helps prevent these complications when selling or insuring your home.
Safety Risks for Yourself and Others
Building a deck without a permit increases safety risks. Unpermitted decks may lack proper support, railing height, or structural stability, potentially leading to accidents. Ensuring that your deck meets Spokane’s safety standards protects everyone who uses it.
Unlicensed Contractors & Permit Avoidance
If your contractor suggests bypassing the permitting process, it could be a warning sign. They might not have the proper licenses or insurance, or they could be trying to cut corners. Always verify that your contractor is licensed and committed to obtaining the necessary permits.
Real-Life Case Study: Helping a Homeowner Build His Own Deck
Recently, we worked with a Spokane homeowner who wanted to build a 1,700-square-foot deck himself. We guided him through the permit application, provided building tips, and helped him save time. This experience shows how we support homeowners through every step of the process.
Rebuilding a Deck After Unpermitted and Unsafe Construction
This picture showcases a newly completed deck that I built for a homeowner after a troubling experience with an unlicensed contractor. Initially, the homeowner hired a contractor who failed to pull the required permit and attached the deck unsafely to a brick wall, violating building codes. The homeowner received a report from an inspector indicating serious safety risks, but the original contractor refused to provide guidance on how to fix the issues. After the inspection, it was clear that the entire deck needed to be demolished and rebuilt properly. Unfortunately, this meant the homeowner had to pay for a second deck. This story serves as a real-life example of why obtaining permits and hiring licensed contractors is critical for safety, compliance, and avoiding costly mistakes.
Conclusion: Ensuring Safety and Compliance
Building a deck in Spokane requires careful planning, adherence to local codes, and securing the necessary permits. Obtaining a permit not only ensures compliance with local regulations but also protects your property value and ensures long-term safety. If you’re ready to start your project, contact us for a phone consultation, and let’s make your deck vision a reality!
FAQs
- Do I need a permit to build a deck in Spokane?
Yes, a permit is required for decks taller than 32 inches or larger than 200 square feet. Always verify requirements with the local building department. - What if I want to modify my existing deck?
Major modifications, such as adding stairs or extending the deck, generally require a new permit. Check with local authorities before making changes. - Can I use nails instead of screws for decking?
While framing nails are allowed for structural elements, it’s best to use hidden fasteners or screws for decking to ensure a secure and lasting hold. - How long does it take to get a deck permit?
Typically, permit processing takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the project scope and the building department’s workload. - What happens if I build without a permit? Building without a permit can result in fines, increased costs to modify or rebuild the deck, and complications when selling or insuring your home.
