Building and Land Use Department | Residential Deck Construction

Piers-42” depth minimum, 10” diameter minimum (frost protection)
Posts must be attached to the piers in such a manner to stop lateral movement
Joist hangers must be fastened with approved fasteners
Decks must be flashed to the building in an approved manner
Decks must be attached to buildings with appropriate lag bolts or nuts and bolts @ 24” intervals. (nails alone are unacceptable)
Guard rail height is a minimum of 36” tall
Do not put aluminum flashing in direct contact with pressure treated lumber
Balusters must be spaced to block a 4” ball ( 3.5 inches is a safe dimension)
Handrails must be “graspable”, 1.25” to 1.5” in diameter.
All ends must be returned or done in such a fashion they are not “hooking” hazards.
Height range, 34” to 38” off of sloped nosing plane.
Handrails must used when there are four or more risers
Guards must be used when the height is 30” or more of surface below.
Standard stair geometry: Max riser=8.25”, minimum tread width=9.00” not including 1.00” nosing and open risers not allowed ( must block 4” ball)
A deck which is not attached mechanically to a dwelling unit is considered “floating” and does not need frost protection under 400 sq. feet in plan view.
Both sides of stairs shall be guarded when the vertical rise is more than 30”, this guard will be capable of blocking a 4” ball
All exposed fasteners shall be weather resistant