Do You Need a Permit to Build a Deck? What Homeowners Should Know

Permits are one of the most misunderstood parts of building a deck. Homeowners often hear conflicting information from neighbors, online forums, or even contractors:

• “You don’t need a permit for a deck.”

• “Only big decks need permits.”

• “The township will shut you down if you don’t pull one.”

The truth is more nuanced — and understanding it upfront can save time, stress, and surprises later.

For homeowners in Selinsgrove, Shamokin Dam, Sunbury, Northumberland, Lewisburg, and Danville, here’s how deck permitting typically works and what to expect.

The Difference Between Zoning Permits and Building Permits

One of the biggest sources of confusion is that zoning permits and building permits are not the same thing.

Zoning Permits

Zoning regulates where a structure can be built.

It looks at things like:

• Property setbacks

• Distance from property lines

• Lot coverage

• Easements and right-of-ways

Even small decks often require zoning approval.

Building Permits

Building permits regulate how a deck is built.

They focus on:

• Structural design

• Footings and frost depth

• Framing, connections, and safety

• Code compliance

Whether a building permit is required usually depends on the height of the deck.

Decks Under 30 Inches: What’s Typically Required

In many municipalities throughout Central Pennsylvania:

• Decks under 30 inches above grade

  • ❌ Often do not require a building permit

  • ✅ Usually still require a zoning permit

Even though these decks may not require inspections, zoning approval is still important to ensure the deck is legally placed on the property.

Skipping zoning approval can create issues later — especially during home sales or property disputes.

Decks Over 30 Inches: What Changes

Once a deck exceeds 30 inches above grade, requirements become more involved.

Typically, this includes:

1. Zoning Approval

• Confirms placement and setbacks

• Required regardless of height

2. Building Permit

• Required for structural review

• Plans are submitted for approval

3. Footer Inspection

• Occurs before concrete is poured

• Confirms:

  • Proper depth (below frost line)

  • Correct size and placement

4. Final Inspection

• Conducted after the deck is complete

• Verifies:

  • Structural connections

  • Guardrails and stair safety

  • Overall code compliance

These inspections are there to ensure safety — not to make the process difficult.

How Much Do Deck Permits Usually Cost?

Permit costs vary by municipality, but homeowners can generally expect:

• $100–$300 on average

• Some areas may be slightly lower or higher

• Fees often include both zoning and building permits

Compared to the overall cost of a deck, permit fees are relatively minor — but the protection they provide is significant.

What’s Involved in Pulling a Permit as a Homeowner

For homeowners pulling permits themselves, the process often includes:

• Filling out applications

• Providing basic plans or drawings

• Coordinating inspections

• Scheduling around township availability

• Responding to questions or revisions

None of this is impossible — but it can be time-consuming and unfamiliar if you don’t deal with it regularly.

Why Many Homeowners Choose to Work With a Licensed General Contractor

When working with a licensed general contractor, homeowners typically don’t have to worry about:

• Determining which permits are required

• Preparing permit applications

• Scheduling inspections

• Coordinating with zoning or code officials

The contractor handles the process, ensuring:

• The deck is permitted correctly

• Inspections happen at the right time

• Everything is documented properly

For many homeowners, this removes a major source of stress from the project.

Why Permits Matter — Even When They Feel Inconvenient

Proper permitting:

• Protects homeowner safety

• Ensures structural integrity

• Helps avoid future legal or resale issues

• Confirms the deck meets current standards

Decks that skip required permits may seem fine initially, but they can create complications later — especially during home sales or insurance claims.

Final Thoughts for Central Pennsylvania Homeowners

Whether a deck requires a building permit or not depends largely on height, but zoning approval is often still required. Understanding the difference helps homeowners plan confidently and avoid surprises.

For homeowners in Selinsgrove, Shamokin Dam, Sunbury, Northumberland, Lewisburg, and Danville, knowing what’s required — and why — is the first step toward a smooth, stress-free deck project.