Municipal Government > Building Department

Wood Deck Requirements

Permit Requirements

Plan giving dimensions, joist size and spacing, pier location, beam size and decking material.

Span Calculations

Joist Size Spacing Span
2" x 6" 16" O.C.
24" O.C.
8'-7"
7'-0"
2" x 8" 16" O.C.
24" O.C.
11'-4"
9'-3"
2" x 10" 16" O.C.
24" O.C.
14'-5"
11'-9"
2" x 12" 16" O.C.
24" O.C.
17'-7"
14'-4"

Note: 5/4" x 6" decking shall be placed on 16" O.C. joist spacing.

Pier Depths: 42" below grade, framed up 4"

Handrails and Guardrails

Porches, balconies, or raised floor surfaces located more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below shall have guardrails not less than 36 inches in height.

Open sides of stairs with a total rise of more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below shall have guardrails not less than 34 inches in height measured vertically from the nosing of the treads.

Required guardrails on open sides of stairways, raised floor areas, balconies and porches shall have intermediate rails or ornamental closures which will not allow passage of an object 4 inches or more in diameter. Horizontal spacing between the vertical members in required guardrails shall be a maximum of 4 inches at the nearest point between the members.

Contact J.U.L.I.E. (1-800-892-0123) prior to digging post holes.

INSPECTIONS REQUIRED: POST HOLES, ROUGH, FINAL

Building Department Phone Number: (847) 223-2323
Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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