Decks

The following standards pertain to the alterations, reconstruction and new
construction of decks:

  • Decks, including stairs, privacy screening, wing walls, bump outs, cantilevered partitions, etc. must be located in rear yards, directly behind the house. Refer to the appendix for common definitions.
  • Applicants are responsible for compliance with county setback and safety (i.e., handrails, steps, etc.) requirements and for obtaining all county approvals and permits.
  • Decks may be made from composite material or wood lumber. Decks made from wood must be properly maintained. Decks that are stained or painted must be done so in a natural wood tone or use white/off white that matches the color of the siding or trim. If a transparent type of stain is used, then it must be a natural wood color. Bright red and black stains are prohibited.
  • Deck rails and spindles may be made of wood, composite material, vinyl/plastic or wrought iron style aluminum. Wood rails and spindle color should remain the natural color of material. Rails and spindles may be stained or painted, but must be done so in natural wood tones, white stain or paint or must match the color of the siding or trim on the rear of the house. Railings or spindles made of glass or of cable design are prohibited.
  • The use of privacy screening and wing walls for decks may be used for creating privacy if consistent with the architectural style and design of the residence. Privacy screening and wing walls, which may not exceed 6 feet in height from the floor of the deck, will be considered when lattice, board on board, or an open style of screening is proposed. Finish materials and colors must match those of the deck.
  • All elevated decks shall be attached to the house.
  • Decks with support posts more than 3 feet in height must have landscaping around the supports to soften the visual impact. For standards specifically pertaining to landscape screening, please refer to the section on Landscape Screening.
  • If the under deck area will be used for storage, indicate whether lattice or solid walls will be used. Solid walls will be treated as shed walls and must therefore follow storage shed standards. If at any time the under deck area accumulates tools, materials, or other personal effects, it will be deemed a storage area and screening will be required.
  • Applicants are responsible for ensuring all new decks and modifications to
    existing decks do not have an adverse impact on grade or other conditions, which
    may affect drainage.
  • Freestanding decks must originate at ground level and may have privacy screening and no more than two privacy walls.
  • The location of any deck will not impair the views or amount of sunlight and
    natural ventilation to adjacent properties.

Application Procedures 

In addition to the basic application requirements, the application for the addition,
alteration, or reconstruction of decks must include:

  • Property Plat/site plan showing the size and location of the proposed deck.
    Distances from adjacent property lines must also be indicated.
  • Detailed drawings and architectural plans, which include exterior elevations and
    dimensions of the deck and its railings and/or screening, posts, stairs, steps, benches,
    and other details to clearly describe the proposed work. Include height of deck above
    ground.
  • Description of all building/construction materials and screening to be used,
    including the color of any paint or stain.


Show All Answers

1. Alterations, Reconstruction and New Construction
2. Attic Fans and Ventilators
3. Awnings
4. Chimneys, Chimney Caps, and Flues
5. Cupolas and Weathervanes
6. Decks
7. Doors – Exterior Entry
8. Doors – Storm/Screen
9. Exterior Lighting
10. Exterior Color Changes
11. Garage Doors
12. Gazebos
13. Greenhouses
14. Gutters and Downspouts
15. Porches and Porticos
16. Pool Cabana/Pool House
17. Roofs
18. Screened Porches
19. Shutters
20. Siding
21. Skylights
22. Storm/Screen Windows
23. Windows