Show All Answers

1. Do I need a permit to construct or replace a deck?

Yes, if any of the following apply:

• The deck is 30 inches or more above the ground at any point within three feet of the deck. Example: If the ground slopes away from the edge of the deck, the height above the ground three feet away from the edge of the deck (or any point in between) cannot be more than 30 inches. If it is, a permit is required.


• The deck has a roof constructed over it.

2. How far from my property line must the deck be (setbacks)?

The property line requirements are as follows:

• If the deck is 30 inches or more above the ground, it must be at least the distance from the property line same as required for the house. Please check with the Planning Division at (503) 526-2420 to determine the land-use zone your property is located in and what the setbacks are.


• If the deck has a cover over it, regardless of its height, it must be at least the distance from the property line same as required for the house. Please check with the Planning Division at (503) 526-2420 to determine the land-use zone your property is located in and what the setbacks are.


• If the deck is less than 30 inches above the ground, it must be a minimum of three feet from any side or rear property line; however, in no case can it be located over an easement.

3. If my deck does not require a permit, must it comply with all of the applicable regulations?

Yes, the regulations apply even if a permit is not required.

4. My property is located in a subdivision that has covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). Do I need to show the City that I comply with these CC&Rs?

No, CC&Rs are placed by the developer of a subdivision and are enforced by the homeowner’s association. The City has no responsibility or authority to enforce these regulations. The City will only expect compliance with the applicable codes it has responsibility to enforce, which may be more or less restrictive than the CC&Rs. You may want to check for any CC&Rs that could affect your project.

5. What materials can I use to construct my deck?

Exterior wood decks must be constructed of material that is resistant to decay from insects and moisture. This includes Cedar, Redwood, and pressure-treated wood (untreated Douglas Fir, Hemlock, and Pine are not resistant to decay or insects).

6. How is a deck constructed?

Typically, a deck is constructed using the following. See Typical Deck Details (PDF):

• The deck top is usually 2X4 or 2X6—wood members placed flat and perpendicular to the joists.


• The deck top is usually placed on joists, which are 2X6 or larger wood members that are perpendicular to the deck top and are spaced typically no more than 24 inches apart. The size of the joists required is based on the distance or span from support to support.


• The joists typically are attached to the house at one end by metal joist hangers attached to a ledger board, which is attached to the house frame. The connection detail must be shown on the drawings. The other end of the joist is usually supported by a beam which is typically a 4X6 or larger (or two 2X6s or larger nailed together). The size of the beam is based on how long the joists are that it supports, and how far apart the posts are that support the beam.


• The beam is usually supported by 4X4 or larger posts, which are placed on concrete footings.


• The concrete footings should be placed a minimum of 12 inches below the existing ground (this is to keep the bottom below a point where the ground could freeze and then become soft when the ground thaws, which then causes settling of the deck). The size of the footings is based on the amount of the deck it is supporting.

7. What type of fasteners should I use?

All nails, screws, bolts and joist hangers to be used are required to be galvanized (to protect from rust and corrosion.)

8. When do I need to put a guardrail on my deck?

A guardrail is required in the following instances:

• A guardrail is required for any deck or portion that is 30 inches or more above the ground. The guardrail must be a minimum of 36-inches high above the top surface of the deck. Intermediate rails, pickets, or other ornamental patterns must be provided and spaced in such a manner that a four-inch diameter object cannot pass through any opening.


• Guardrails must be strong enough to resist a 200-point force at any point on the guardrail. This means that any single vertical support, rail, or picket must be able to resist a 200-point load. Most likely the support will need to be anchored to the deck by bolts or lag screws. Nails in most cases will not be able to resist this load.

9. What are the requirements of a stairway?

Stairway requirements are as follows:

• The tread width (called the stair run) on a stair can in no case be less than nine inches and the difference between any tread width must not be more than 3/8 of an inch from the widest to the narrowest tread (Example: If the first tread is nine inches wide and the next tread is 9-3/8-inches wide, this is okay. If the third tread is 9-1/2 inches, this is NOT okay). The height of each step (called the stair rise) can in no case be more than 8 inches and the difference between any stair riser must not be more than 3/8 of an inch between the shortest and highest riser (Example: If the first riser is eight inches, and the next riser is 7-5/8 inches, this is okay. If the third riser is 7-3/8 inches, this is NOT okay.)


• Handrails are required on any stair that has three or more risers. The handrail must be placed at a height of 30 to 38 inches measured vertically from the nosing of the treads. The handrails must extend the full length of the stairs, and the ends of the handrails must terminate at a post or be returned to a wall. If any portion of the stairs is 30 inches or more above the ground, the handrails must also form a guardrail and be a minimum of 36 inches in height measured vertically from the nosing of the treads. In addition, they must be provided with intermediate rails, pickets, or other ornamental patterns and spaced in such a manner that a four-inch diameter object cannot pass through any opening. Handrails must not be more than 2-5/8 inches in a cross-sectional area and have a smooth surface. See Typical Deck Details (PDF) for examples.


• A level landing must be provided at the top and bottom of each stair that is a minimum of three feet by three feet in size.

10. What is the process for obtaining a permit for a deck?

Three sets of plans, a completed building permit application, and a plan review fee must be submitted to the Building Division for review. The plans must be drawn to scale (such as ¼ inch equals one foot) and include a site plan, footing plan, framing plan, stairway detail (if applicable), handrail detail, and guardrail detail.

If the deck to be constructed is eight feet or higher in elevation, a lateral analysis and construction design will need to be submitted for review.

11. How much are permit fees for a deck?

Building permit fees are based on the estimated construction cost of the project (including normal labor costs, even if the work is being done by the owner).
Permit fees include:

• building permit fees,
• plan review fees, and
• a 12-percent state surcharge.

The permit fee pays for the inspections made by the City inspectors, and the plans review fee pays for the review of the plans. You can contact the Building Division for an estimate of permit fees at (503) 526-2403.

12. How long does it take to obtain a permit?

Depending on the complexity of a project, it may be issued “over the counter” as you wait, or it could take two or more weeks depending on the workload. To see a plans examiner for possible Over the Counter Plan Review, hours are 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and again at1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m or by appointment (Monday through Friday).

13. How long is a permit valid?

A permit is valid for 180 days from the date it is issued or 180 days from the date of the last inspection made by a City inspector. If a project is abandoned for more than 180 days, it becomes void. If a person holding a valid permit is in need of an extension, one can be requested in writing, stating the reasons why an extension is needed. It will be up to the Building Official to determine if an extension is appropriate.
You can send your request to the following address:

Building Official
City of Beaverton
PO Box 4755
Beaverton, OR 97076-4755

14. When is an inspection needed?

Inspections are required at the following stages:

• Footing, after excavation and prior to placing any concrete.
• Framing, after all posts, beams, ledgers, joists, and stairs have been installed.
• Final, after the project has been completed and all decking, handrails, and guardrails have been installed.
• Other inspections as noted by the plans examiner.

15. How long do I have to wait for an inspection?

The City has a 24-hour inspection request line at (503) 526-2400. Inspections received prior to 7:00 a.m. are normally done that day. Appointments can be made with the inspector to assure that you are present during the inspection.

16. Are there any books available giving instructions on how to build decks?

Yes, many instruction books are available at libraries, bookstores, lumber yards, and building supply stores. Keep in mind that these books are generic in manner, and may not always reflect current or local codes.

This information material is intended to cover the most common questions asked in deck construction. Because each deck may have its own peculiarities, this information will not coverall situations, nor is it intended to cover all codes and regulations governing construction. The Typical Deck Details (PDF) are intended to illustrate the types of drawings needed for permits, and indicate a typical method of deck construction. Other construction methods may be used if applicable regulations are followed. This information may be updated periodically to reflect changes in the code and regulations.