Do You Need a Permit for a Deck in Clark County?

A lot of people believe you don't need a permit for a deck. Some low, small decks are exempt, but the rules are stricter than most people expect, and they differ between Clark County and the City of Vancouver.

When a deck is exempt

• Clark County: a deck doesn't need a permit only if it's 30 inches or less above grade at every point, 200 square feet or less, not attached to the house, and not serving the required exit door.
• City of Vancouver: a deck doesn't need a permit only if it's 18 inches or less above grade, measured within 36 inches of the deck's outer edge, and not serving the main exit door.

If your deck misses any one of those conditions, you need a permit.

Sources: SWW-ICC permit chart (official source); City of Vancouver fences, decks and sheds (official source); VMC 17.08.090 (official source).

What a permitted deck can require

When you need a permit, that can mean:

• Architectural plans
• A site plan
• Engineering work
• Sometimes a stormwater plan, if the deck is larger by square footage
• Possibly an erosion control plan

Before you build

Check the rules for your jurisdiction before you buy materials. See Clark County, City of Vancouver. If your deck needs a permit, I can pull together the plans, site plan and engineering and take it through approval.

FAQ

Do all decks need a permit?

No, but height isn't the only test. In Clark County, a deck needs a permit if it's over 30 inches, over 200 square feet, attached to the house, or serving the required exit door. In the City of Vancouver, a deck is exempt only if it's 18 inches or less above grade, measured within 36 inches of the deck's outer edge, and not serving the main exit door.

What documents does a deck permit need?

Architectural plans, a site plan and engineering, and sometimes stormwater and erosion control plans.

Not sure if your deck needs a permit? Contact PermitNorth. Contact PermitNorth