Permit Requirements for Residential Decks
The following is required for submitting a deck permit:
- Douglas County Building Permit Application. If a contractor is being used they must be listed on your application at the time of submittal.
- One set of scaled (¼” = 1’) construction drawings. All plans must be submitted on white paper in blue or black ink. This is to include floor framing plans with size and species of joists, beams and posts to be used. Can be drawn by the owner or contractor.
- Elevations (side view) showing guardrails and stairs. Guardrails must be a minimum of 36” in height and arranged such that a 4” sphere can not pass at any point.
- One site plan showing dimensions to the property lines.
- Letter from ACC Architectural Control Committee (check your local covenants). If you do not have a letter, please be advised that your permit will be placed on "hold" for approximately 10 working days so that we may inform the ACC in writing, unless you obtain the approval letter prior to the release of the permit.
Depth of caissons must be a minimum of thirty-six inches below finished grade. Treated post shall be used or caisson shall extend 6" above grades. Open Hole Inspection will be required. A forty pound live load is required for decks. If a hot tub is supported by the deck, the drawings will need to be stamped by a Colorado Registered Professional Engineer.
Measuring to Grade - Is your deck project less than 30” inches above grade? Use the diagram below to determine the height of your proposed deck:
HOW TO MEASURE THE HEIGHT OF YOUR DECK -
Elevation shall be measured to an imaginary point five (5) feet out horizontally from the edge of the deck. If any point within this cross-hatched area measures greater than 30", then the deck shall be considered over 30" above grade. 
If your deck project is LESS than 30” inches above grade, as determined in accordance with this diagram, there will be NO PERMIT FEES or PLAN REVIEW FEES. That’s right, almost free. Due to statutory requirements, Use Tax must be collected.
Building Guide
All decks and patio covers constructed under a valid Douglas County Building permit shall be attached to the structure with minimum 3/8" inch diameter by 5 1/2" inch long lag bolts with washers. Spacing shall not exceed 16" inches on center configured in a staggered pattern. Carriage bolts may be installed in lieu of lag bolts in a staggered pattern not to exceed 16" inches on center equal diameter with a length to allow a nut and washer to be attached the full depth of the nut. Backing shall be of sufficient integrity design as to provide equivalent support of a standard 2x4 structurally rated stud as placed in a frame wall. Ledgers attached to concrete shall be treated wood or approved wood of natural resistance to decay and security with minimum 3/8" inch diameter expansion anchors at 16" inches on center with a length to provide a minimum of 3" inches of penetration into the concrete. Any alternate method or material for attachment will require a design by a registered Professional Engineer, and be submitted to the Douglas County Building Division for approval.
Douglas County Building Division Typical Deck Details [485KB]
Alternate Methods for Framing a Deck at a Cantilever Diagram [44KB]
Open Deck / Wood Wall Diagram [127KB]
Handrails Diagram [121KB]
Additional Resources
Deck FAQs [link to Building Division FAQs]
Building Fee Schedule [5KB]
Building Permit Application [17KB]
Deck Inspection List [HTML Page ]
