Residential Deck Construction Permit Process

The permit process begins when the plat plan and deck drawings (if applicable) are complete and have been submitted, along with a building permit application, to the Jones Township Building Code Administration Office located at 320 Faries Street, PO Box 25, Wilcox, PA 15870.

Permit applications which require plan review will be accepted over the counter only if the application is complete, signed by the homeowner, and contains all other required information, including two sets of plans, and the house location plat with the proposed deck sketched on it. Once the plans have been reviewed and zoning, when required, is approved you will be mailed the permit.

Permit applications, which meet the requirements of the Typical Deck Detail, are eligible for immediate permit issuance. When using the Typical Deck Detail, you are agreeing to construct the deck as indicated by the pre-approved drawings provided to you.

Note: If the deck you plan to build does not meet the Typical Deck Detail guidelines, a plan review will be required.

NOTE: THE "TYPICAL DECK DETAIL" IS AVAILABLE ONLY BY CONTACTING THE BUILDING CODE OFFICIAL.

Who Should Apply for Permits

You may secure the building permit in your own name; however’ if a contractor is to perform the work, Jones Township requires that the contractor be listed on the permit as the party responsible for the work. In this way, we will be in a better position to assist you in gaining compliance with codes if the work is defective. Regardless of who applies for the permit, the property owner must sign the Building Permit application. IMPORTANT NOTE: Permits are not issued for the construction of an uncovered deck where the floor of the deck is no more than 30 inches above the grade at all locations.

What to Bring or Mail when Applying for Your Permit

Permit Application: A Building Permit Application must be completely filled out and submitted.

Permit Fees: The Permit Fee for projects utilizing the Typical Deck Detail is $125.00 for all decks. Other deck projects in which a Plan Review is required is $200.00.

Plans Required

There are two options for achieving building plan approval for decks. The requirements for each are listed below:

1. Complete Set of Plans (2)

All structural elements of the deck must be completely detailed and included on a comprehensive set of plans. Three sets of plans are required for all submissions. The following information must be included.

	Size of all posts, joists, and beams, shown on a framing plan.
	Handrail and guardrail details (including, if applicable, Chippendale rail, sun bursts, and pre-manufactured rail systems).
	Stair details.
	Elevations, front, side and rear with attachment details (such as attachment to house, joist to beam connections, rail to post connection, etc.).
	Footing details (minimum footing depth is 42 inches, footings shall bear on solid soil).
	Hot tub manufacturer’s information showing structural loading requirements (if applicable).
	Indicate attachment to house

2. Typical Deck Detail

A copy of the Typical Deck Detail is attached. For residential use only, these details may be used in lieu of submitted drawings for review with the building permit application. The permit application must reflect the intended use of the Typical Deck Detail. Decks which do not meet the following minimum conditions may not use the typical details in lieu of plans.

	Decks must be for residential use.
	Decks must be single level.
	Joist overhangs must be less than or equal to 2’-0".
	All deck elements must be designed and built in strict conformance with the Typical Deck Detail and to the dimensions noted on the permit application shown on the house location plot plan.
	Decks may not be constructed with roofs, screened porches, hot tubs, gazebos, or detached from house.

Field inspectors have the authority and responsibility to reject the construction and require plan review of structural conditions found on site which are not in conformance with the code, are not addressed by the Typical Deck Detail, or do not meet all of the above conditions.

Inspections:

Inspections are required by law. Inspections help to establish that the deck has been built in accordance with the structural and safety provisions of the International Residential Building Code, standard construction practices and the approved drawings or the Typical Deck Detail .

When Inspections are Required:

Three inspections, conducted by Jones Township inspectors, are required for a deck:

	Footing Inspection: footing holes are inspected prior to concrete placement.
	Framing Inspection: joists, beams, connections and mechanical attachments are inspected prior to placement of decking.
	Final Inspection: all remaining items are inspected. The framing and final inspections may be combined if all portions of the deck framing and mechanical attachments are at least 42" above grade.

Common Reasons for Rejection

The most common reasons for rejection of inspections on the construction of a deck are:

	Non-compliance with the approved plans or the Typical Deck Detail.
	Soil material is inadequate to provide minimum bearing capacity of the footing.
	The ledger board is not attached to approved material at the existing house wall.
	The ledger board attachment does not comply relative to bolt diameter, spacing and tightening and/or flashing.
	The variation in stair risers is greater than the code allowance.
	Corrosion-resistant nail and fasteners are not used in pressure-treated material.

When and Where to Call for Inspections

Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, it is the responsibility of the permit holder or the permit holder’s representative to notify the Jones Township when the stages of construction that require an inspection are reached. Based on visual observation, inspectors may request access to the existing house to verify solid ledger attachment.

Inspections must be scheduled two to three workdays in advance by calling the Jones Township Building Inspector at (814) 929-5138 or (814) 781-3663.