Permit planning
Deck permit plan checklist before you submit drawings.
A good deck permit package should make the proposed work easy to review. The exact requirements change by jurisdiction, but most reviewers want enough information to understand the deck footprint, structure, connections, guards, stairs, and site conditions.
In this guide
01 / Guide
Start with project context
Before the framing details matter, the reviewer needs to know what property and structure the deck belongs to.
- Project address and owner or contractor information
- Deck location relative to the house and property constraints
- Existing structure notes, including ledger or freestanding conditions
- Overall deck dimensions and deck height above grade
02 / Guide
Show the structural layout clearly
The plan view should explain how loads move through the deck without forcing the reviewer to infer the structure from a decorative layout.
- Joist direction, joist size, and joist spacing
- Beam locations, beam size, and post spacing
- Footing locations and configured footing sizes
- Cantilevers, dropped beams, flush beams, and special framing zones
03 / Guide
Include elevations and details
Elevations and typical details help reviewers understand heights, guards, stairs, and connection intent.
- Front and side elevations where height or stairs matter
- Guard and stair rail information when required
- Ledger, post-to-beam, joist-to-beam, and footing connection details
- Notes for field verification and local code review
Checklist
Pre-submit review list
Use this as a working review list. It should support field judgment, not replace local code review, inspection requirements, or professional engineering where required.
- Dimensions match the sold layout and field measurements.
- The plan identifies whether the deck is ledger-supported, freestanding, or mixed.
- Stairs, landings, guard openings, and rail runs are shown where applicable.
- Footing sizes, depths, and locations are visible enough for review.
- Any beta or estimating output has been manually checked before relying on it.
- Local code amendments, manufacturer instructions, and required engineering review have been considered.
Questions
Common contractor questions.
Is a checklist enough for permit approval?
No. A checklist helps prepare a cleaner package, but the local authority decides what is required for approval.
Should material takeoff pages be included in a permit package?
Usually the permit reviewer is focused on code and structure, not ordering quantities. Takeoffs are still useful for internal review and job planning.
From field notes to finished plans
Build the plan in DeckDraft.
Turn the checklist into a connected deck model with plan views, elevations, takeoffs, and previews.