Johnston County Inspections Logo

Johnston County Inspection Hours Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm  Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm  
Johnston County Inspection Phone 919-989-5060 919-989-5060

Johnston County Inspection Address 309 E. Market Street - Smithfield NC 27577 309 E. Market Street - Smithfield NC 27577  309 E. Market Street
Smithfield NC 27577 

Johnston County Inspection Email Inspections@johnstonnc.com Inspections@johnstonnc.com

Decks and Steps Brochure

Guide to Building Decks

For Single Family Dwellings, and Manufactured Homes where decks exceed 36 sq. feet

Based on Appendix M

2018 NC Residential Code 


Chairs on Deck

Johnston County Building Inspections

309 E. Market St., Smithfield, NC

(919) 989 – 5060

www.johnstonnc.com/inspections

 

 Deck Drawing

Drawings can be simple, like the example above.

Deck Construction Requirements

  • Overall dimensions (length, width, height)
  • Exact location of all footings
  • Center to center distances between all footings
  • Size of all footings (length, width, height)
  • Size and spans of all girders
  • Size, spacing, and spans for floor joist
  • Type of decking material used

 

 Deck Components

Deck Components

  1. Footing
  2. Support Posts
  3. Girder/Beam
  4. Bridging/Blocking if needed
  5. Floor joist
  6. Approved Hanger or Ledger Strip
  7. Ledger board
  8. Flashing(s) Aluminum not permitted*
  9. Decking
  10. Rail posts
  11. Railing/Guard
  12. Stairs

Deck Permitting Checklist

  • Site Plan
  • Copy of Septic Permit (Does not apply to sewer)
  • Zoning Permit
  • Completed Permit Application
  • Copy of Plans

How much does a Deck Permit Cost?

  • $12.50 Land Use/Zoning Fee
  • $60.00 Building Permit
  • $60.00 Electrical Permit (if needed)
  • *$10.00 Homeowner’s Recovery Fee (applies to General Contractors Only)

Can I Do the Work Myself?

Yes, if you are the homeowner, reside there, and you will be the one performing the work. You must sign the Owner Consent Form and you must reside at the same property for one year after the work is completed. Jobs costing less than $30,000 may be done by an unlicensed contractor. Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical must be done by a licensed individual if not done by the homeowner, who resides at the property.

** See Appendix M for specific code requirements.

** The information in this brochure is not all inclusive and has been derived from the current edition of the NC Residential Building Code. Please consult applicable code sections for more detailed information. Information on this page is not intended to replace any part of the code sections.

 

View and/or download the Decks Brochure in PDF
(Deck Brochure publication date:  April 28, 2022)

 

 

 

Page last updated: January 26, 2024

Johnston County Inspections Bottom Image