Deck Guide - The City of Wentzville | Missouri

Deck GuideThe following information was compiled as aguide for residents who wish to build a deck. Inorder to obtain a permit, two sets of plans mustbe submitted for review. The plans are notrequired to be of architectural quality, but mustprovide enough information to determine that allconstruction will be built to minimum codestandards. The drawings must include thefollowing information:• Indicate the dimensions of the deck, size, spacing,spans, and type of lumber being used. The plansshould include a floor plan, elevations, stairdetail, guard detail, and a pier detail.• If your home is constructed using engineeredfloor joists, include a copy of the manufacturer’sspecifications illustrating deck attachmentrequirements.• A copy of your plot plan showing the location ofyour house and proposed deck on the property.Indicate distances to property lines and keep inmind structures may not be located over aneasement.Typically, the more detailed a plan is, the fasterwe can issue a permit with little or no delay. Thefollowing is a list of common code requirementsto keep in mind while drawing your plans:• All footings/piers for posts must be 30” belowgrade for frost protection, and extend at least 24”into undisturbed soil. Pier diameter shall be basedon the size of the deck but may not be less than12 inches.• All load bearing posts must be anchored to footingswith an approved fastener.• All wood which comes in contact with the groundmust be termite and decay resistant. Redwood,Cedar, or ACQ lumber is acceptable.• The ledger board is to be connected to the housewith 1/2 inch bolts 3 feet on center or 3/8 inch bolts16 inches on center. Joist hangers are required atthe ledger board. Please observe the hangermanufacturer’s fastener requirements. Do not useroofing nails or deck screws.• Beam cantilevers are to be a max of 12” and joistcantilevers are to be a max of 2 feet or of a designsealed by a Missouri licensed engineer. Engineeredfloor joist header and ledger connections (ie: TJI,sturdy floor, etc) require additional bracing.• If the finished floor height of the deck exceeds 30inches above finished grade, a guardrail is required.Guardrails must be a minimum of 36 inches inheight, and must not have more than 4 inch openingbetween. Guardrail support posts are not to bespaced more than 6 feet apart.• If vinyl material is going to be used, provide theappropriate BOCA/ICC report number.• Stairs must have a minimum clear width of 36inches. The stair riser height is not to exceed 8 1/4inches. Tread depth must be a minimum of 9 inchesmeasured from nose to nose. These measurementsmust be uniform (within 3/16 inch) for the entirelength of the stairs. All risers must be closed orhave maximum openings of 4 inches. Threestringers are recommended.• Handrails must be 34 inches to 38 inches high,measured vertically above the nosing of the treads.Handrails are required to be graspable (example:2x2, 2” diameter round, or 2x4 on edge.)• All stair guardrail to be 34 inches minimum fromleading nose of tread to top of rail.The preceding information is meant to be a helpful guide andapplies to most simple residential decks. However, it does notinclude all of the codes that may apply. The plan reviewer maydetermine that unusual circumstances dictate the need foradditional information.Decking: min. 1 x up to 24” span, min. 2 x if over 24” spanPosts: min. 4 x 4 up to 12’0” beam span or 14’0” post length, min. 6 x 6over these lengthsBeam Detail for CantileversMin. 36”12” mindiameterPostMaximumcantilever2’0”(House) Ledger BoardDecking16” o.c.JoistMax 6’0”Floor Plan1/2” Bolts and nuts1/2” bolts through band board orledger board 3’0” on center or3/8” bolts 16” on centerPost anchor or other approved fastenerMin. 30”Elevation ViewMaximum Sizing of JoistsFloor Joists @ 16” on centerSize Span2x6 9’9”2x8 12’10”2x10 16’1”2x12 18’10”Joist to Post ConnectionWithout CantileverPostNotchHouseJoistengineeredfloor joistsIn house-See bldgDept.Foundation

Typical Site PlanInspection ProceduresDeck Submission Self-Check List25’15’DeckHouse35’GarageInspections must be called in 24 hours in advance andshould be cancelled in the event of rain.The first inspection will be completed when your piershave been excavated. The inspector will measure thefootings to see that they are the proper depth and size.The location of your deck will also be verified toensure compliance with property line restrictions.These holes must be free of water and debris at thetime of inspection.____ Application accompanies plans and plot plat_____ Plan includes a floor plan, side elevationview and stair detail_____ Deck plan dimensions are shown clearly_____ Plan includes size, spacing and span ofmaterialMin guardrailheight 36”4’6”Stair DetailIf the deck is less than four feet above grade, or will bewrapped with a vinyl covering, a framing inspectionwill be performed when all structural components havebeen installed.A final inspection will be performed when the deckhas been completed._____ Plan includes material types_____ Plans show footing size and depth belowgrade_____ Plot plan indicates set back from side and rearin feet. Plot plan must be to scaleHandrail must be graspableMax 4” openingIf you have any questions please contact the Building_____ All required stair geometry is shown_____ Support posts are shown with an anchoringsystem4’0”Min tread depth9”Max. riserheight 8 1/4”and closedwithin 4”Sphere 6” orlarger mustnot be able topass through34” min._____ Identify if your home was built withengineered floor joists_____ Plans show all connections to the house_____ Plans show guardrail heights, spacing, etc.Typical Graspable Handrail_____ Posts, beams and cantilevers are clearlyshownSept. 2007