Project Hub

Deck Permits by City

Whether deck building needs a permit depends on your city. Here is the official answer for each city we cover, ranked by how many deck permits the city issued in the last 12 months.

A grey wooden deck overlooking a grassy backyard
CityPermit needed?Permits (12 mo)
Chicago Deck PermitsUsually yes
A permit is needed for most porch and deck work.		1,350
Baltimore Deck PermitsYes
Decks are not on Baltimore's list of work exempt from permit, so building one needs a building permit.		773
Raleigh Deck PermitsYes
New decks need a building permit in Raleigh.		529
San Francisco Deck PermitsUsually yes
Decks need a building permit in San Francisco.		452
Philadelphia Deck PermitsUsually yes
Decks less than 12 inches above ground need no permit.		393
Austin Deck PermitsUsually yes
A deck is exempt only if it is 200 sq ft or less, no more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the house, not used for egress and not in a flood hazard area.		385
Kansas City Deck PermitsSometimes
Platforms and decks no higher than 30 inches above grade at any point, and not over a basement or story below, don't need a building permit in Kansas City.		314
Nashville Deck PermitsYes
Building a new deck or replacing a deck requires a permit in Nashville, as does replacing more than 100 sq ft of deck boards or any footings or framing.		222
Pittsburgh Deck PermitsUsually yes
Uncovered decks with a floor 30 inches or less above grade need zoning approval only.		108
Seattle Deck PermitsSometimes
You need a construction permit for a deck more than 18 inches above the ground or any roof deck.		88
New Orleans Deck PermitsUsually yes
Only small freestanding decks are exempt in New Orleans: uncovered residential decks no larger than 200 sq ft, no higher than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the house and not serving an exit door.		19

Go Deeper

For the patterns behind these rules, read When a Deck Needs a Permit: Height and Size Rules by City.

Written and maintained by the Home Permit Guide Editorial TeamPlaceholder profile

Reviewed by: named reviewer to be added · Last updated

This is a placeholder editorial profile. A named reviewer with verifiable experience will be added here. Until then, every rule on this page links to the official government source it was checked against. Read our editorial policy.

Sources

Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.

  1. Chicago DOB: Porches, Decks and Balconies (work not requiring a permit) (chicago.gov)
  2. Chicago DOB Express Permit Program: Porch, Deck, Balcony or Fire Escape Repair (chicago.gov)
  3. Baltimore DHCD: Work Exempt from Permit (baltimorecity.gov)
  4. Baltimore DHCD: Inspection Guidelines (dhcd.baltimorecity.gov)
  5. Raleigh: How to Get a Residential Permit (raleighnc.gov)
  6. NC OSFM guidance on G.S. 160D-1110(c) (ncosfm.gov)
  7. SF.gov: Where to apply for your permit (sf.gov)
  8. SF.gov: Check if your construction project needs a permit (sf.gov)
  9. Philadelphia L&I: Start Right guide (June 2026) (phila.gov)
  10. Philadelphia L&I: Get permits without plans (EZ permits) (phila.gov)
  11. Austin DSD: Work Exempt from Building Permits (austintexas.gov)
  12. KCMO: Building Permit Exempt Work (kcmo.gov)
  13. Metro Nashville Codes: Add a Deck or Patio to a Residence (nashville.gov)
  14. Pittsburgh PLI: Deck Information (pittsburghpa.gov)
  15. Seattle SDCI Tip 312: Decks, Fences and Arbors (seattle.gov)
  16. New Orleans: Work Exempt from Permit (Section 105.2) (nola.gov)