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Message |
    
C Bataille
Citizen
Username: Nakaille
Post Number: 2635
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2006 - 6:44 pm: | 
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My younger brother, who is a contractor out of state, is visiting and willing to build a deck for us. The deck will be about 8x8 and about 4 or 4/2 feet off the ground. He has already drawn fairly detailed plans for the various components and would make whatever adjustments might be necessary if we knew the requirements ahead of time.
We wondered if anyone has a PDF on the applicable code and how fast the permit process works?
The town website says only that permits may be required for a variety of home improvement projects and that one should call the building dept to find out if a permit is required. We'd like to start getting materials and tools together immediately but won't if the time frame won't work. Thanks. |
The Libertarian
Citizen
Username: Local_1_crew
Post Number: 2040
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2006 - 7:48 pm: |
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they do |
shoshannah
Citizen
Username: Shoshannah
Post Number: 1266
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2006 - 9:38 pm: |
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I don't live in Maplewood, but I am quite certain that in any town around here a deck would require a permit. It touches on issues of zoning (setbacks from the property lines, lot coverage, etc) and buiilding codes (number of footings, depth of footings, width of steps, height of railings, etc.). |
Carol Anne
Citizen
Username: Carol_anne
Post Number: 11
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2006 - 9:59 pm: |
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yep!
and getting the permit can be a lengthy process if you need to go before the zoning board for a Variance as we do for our house in West Orange. I also know someone in Maplewood who had to go before the zoning board for their deck and had quite a time getting it approved due to a neighbor fighting it. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7840
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 12:38 am: |
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If you don't need a variance (less than 5 feet from property lines, under max allowed permanent coverage on property) it shouldn't be too bad to get the permit. Make sure that you have the detailed plans & a copy of your survey.
I don't know if there are any rules about a contractor's license, since they have to be licensed now. But, since you can DIY a deck with the proper permits, it shouldn't be a problem.
Your problem may be waiting for the inspection of the footers. They have to be 36 inches (?) deep and inspected before the deck itself can be built. |
Projects Dude
Citizen
Username: Quakes
Post Number: 146
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 6:57 am: |
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What about a hardscape over lawn? It's strange, I know if I put in a deck over some grass area just behind my backdoor to the garden I'll need a permit... but if instead stone/brick is laid over the grass so that you can have outdoor furniture, u technically don't need a permit. Sounds odd but can someone confirm? |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 940
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 7:45 am: |
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I also once "heard" that having a deck in S. Orange will increase your property taxes whereas having a stone patio won't. I've never looked it up b/c we already have a deck, but that strange factoid stuck with me. |
C Bataille
Citizen
Username: Nakaille
Post Number: 2638
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 8:12 am: |
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I'm pretty sure we won't need a variance as it is not within 5 feet of the property line, we'll certainly do the footers according to code, the lot is plenty big enough to handle this small structure, etc. Thanks for the advice about the survey. That's the kind of advice I need. We're just trying to find out what the code actually is concerning decks. It would be nice to have the info now during the design phase. Also, is there a difference between a contractor's permit and a homeowner's permit? My brother and I would be working together on it. |
george H
Citizen
Username: Georgieboy
Post Number: 204
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 9:21 am: |
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Homeowners are exempt from any licensing requirements although the work must still conform to code.Even if,as you say,you don't need a variance,that fact must be signed off on by the code official.There are property coverage rules as well as bldg. coverage rules,not to mention side and rear yard setbacks.I would start with a copy of my survey with the new deck drawn in and described.[ie:8x8 deck,showing stairs location]You would then want to have a plan drawn[again,the homeowner is allowed to do his own but they must conform]showing the framing detail including,but not limited to,ledger board,flashing of same[very important]size and spacing of lags into rim joist,spacing and depth of footings,size and spacing of framing,detail of positive post to footing connection as well as post to girder connection,detail of post/handrail construction[remember the 4" sphere rule],stair construction showing rise as well as post/handrail.Hope this helps. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7842
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 10:03 am: |
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Cathy - I did the drawings for our deck. It wasn't too complicated and your brother probably can do it even better. I had all the dimensions, etc. I didn't have to do the level of detail that George describes, but it did have to meet the criteria during inspection.
This was two years ago; I don't know if things have gotten more strict.
As for patio/deck: anything under 6" is not considered a "permanent" structure, so you don't need a permit and it does not raise your taxes. Even a deck doesn't raise them that much. After a major renovation (doubled the size of the kitchen, tore out old full bathroom, installed new one, deck), C/A and new heating ssytem our taxes went up 10%. |
george H
Citizen
Username: Georgieboy
Post Number: 205
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 10:51 am: |
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My point is that you want to convey a knowledge of whats entailed and that you're going into it with an understanding not only of the components but of construction technique as well.Do you absolutely need each detail I listed above? Probably not,but rest assured that each of those areas will be checked and compliance required.If your taking out the permit in your name,final responsibility is yours.You can't turn around and plead ignorance and expect some kind of play,other than what would be offered to any citizen. |
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