Apply for a Deck
Decks, usually wooden platforms built above the ground and connected to a building, are generally enclosed by a railing for safety. Building Permits are required for all deck projects, and Planning review may be required.
Before you Start
Please review the Permit Requirements below as these vary from project to project.
Ready to get started? First, make sure you are registered and activated at our Online Permit Center. For instructions, please visit our Planning & Building Video Tutorials webpage.
What to Do
Permit Requirements
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Building Permits are required to construct a new deck, expand an existing one, or repair or replace one in-kind. For new decks, Planning Review is required. For decks over 30" in height from the ground to the platform or 6' from the ground to the top of the railing, Zoning regulations must be adhered to.
EXEMPTIONS
Decks that meet ALL of the following criteria are exempt from a Building Permit:
- Serve a house or a duplex
- Are 200 sq ft or less in overall footprint
- Are not more than 30" above the ground at any point
- Are not attached to the dwelling
- Do not serve a required exit door
- Do not serve as a door landing
All decks are still subject to Zoning Review.
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- Contractors who are licensed by the State of California with a classification appropriate for the work that will be performed and have a current Business Tax Certificate.
- Owners of a building or their legal representative.
How to Apply
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Step One: Planning Review (As Applicable)
For NEW decks, deck expansions or repairs/rebuilds, you must submit the following:
- Submit a Zoning Worksheet (ZW) through our Online Permit Center*
* NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a ZW - In the Worksheet, upload your completed Basic Application for Development Review and all associated plans, structural calculations (as applicable), and related documents
- For decks that are NOT exempt (see list above), you must also upload your completed Building Permit Application to your ZW
- A planner will review your submission
- Once approved, you will receive a decision letter from the Bureau of Planning and your application will be routed to the Building Permit Counter if applicable
- Submit a Zoning Worksheet (ZW) through our Online Permit Center*
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Step Two: Building Permits (As Applicable)
- Once advised by Building Counter staff, please upload all associated Building Permit documents to your ZW
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Step Three: Application Review
Once we receive your application and have created it in our system, we will review your plans. If your plans require corrections or if we need further information, we will contact you. If your plans are approved, we will contact you to issue your permit. For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.
Need to Know
QUESTIONS?
Call (510) 238-3891 or find quick answers through our Permit & Services Questions Portal. You may also schedule an appointment with Permit Counter staff during open hours.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
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