Key Takeaways for PA Homeowners
- Most decks require a building permit
- Railings required at 30"+ above grade
- Footings must be 36-42" deep (frost line)
- Ledger flashing is code-required
Do You Need a Deck Permit in PA?
Permit REQUIRED
- •Deck attached to the house
- •Deck more than 30" above grade
- •Deck over 200 square feet
- •Any deck with a roof or enclosure
- •Any electrical or plumbing work
May Be Exempt
- •Ground-level (under 30" above grade)
- •Under 200 square feet
- •Freestanding (not attached to house)
- •No roof or enclosure
*Exemptions vary by municipality. Always verify with your local building department.
We Handle Permits For You
When you hire VM Power Decks, we handle the entire permit process—application, plan submission, and inspection scheduling. Our designs always meet or exceed local codes, so approvals are smooth and fast.
PA Deck Code Requirements
Guardrail Requirements
| Required when deck is | 30"+ above grade |
| Minimum height | 36 inches |
| Baluster spacing | Max 4" gap (4" sphere test) |
| Post spacing | Max 6 feet on center |
Stair Requirements
| Riser height | Max 7.75 inches |
| Tread depth | Min 10 inches |
| Stair width | Min 36 inches |
| Handrail height | 34"-38" from tread |
Structural Requirements
| Ledger attachment | 1/2" lag bolts or through-bolts |
| Joist hangers | Required for all joists |
| Beam-to-post connection | Metal connectors required |
| Flashing | Required at all ledger attachments |
Footing Requirements
| Frost depth (Lehigh Valley) | 36 inches |
| Frost depth (Poconos) | 42 inches |
| Minimum diameter | 12-18 inches |
| Concrete strength | Min 2,500 PSI |
Deck Joist Span Chart
Maximum spans for pressure-treated Southern Pine (#2 grade) at different joist spacings.
| Joist Size | 16" O.C. Spacing | 24" O.C. Spacing |
|---|---|---|
| 2×6 | 9' 9" | 8' 0" |
| 2×8 | 12' 10" | 10' 6" |
| 2×10 | 16' 5" | 13' 5" |
| 2×12 | 18' 0" | 14' 9" |
These are maximum spans for standard residential loads. Actual spans may need to be shorter based on specific site conditions, composite decking, or cantilevers. Always consult local codes.
PA Deck Permit Process
1
Submit Application
Application form, site plan showing deck location, and construction drawings with dimensions.
2
Plan Review
Building department reviews plans for code compliance. Usually takes 1-3 weeks.
3
Permit Issuance
Once approved, you receive your permit. Must be posted visibly during construction.
4
Inspections
Typically 2 inspections: footing/framing and final. We schedule all inspections for you.
Permit Requirements by County
Requirements vary by municipality. Here's what to expect in the counties we serve.
Lehigh County
$100-$250
Allentown, Bethlehem (partial), Emmaus, Whitehall, etc.
Inspections:Footer, framing, final
Typical Timeline:1-2 weeks
Allentown has stricter requirements for historic districts.
Northampton County
$75-$200
Bethlehem, Easton, Nazareth, Northampton, etc.
Inspections:Footer, framing, final
Typical Timeline:1-2 weeks
Some townships require engineer stamps for elevated decks.
Monroe County
$100-$300
Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg, Poconos area
Inspections:Footer, framing, final
Typical Timeline:2-3 weeks
Vacation rentals may need additional permits and inspections.
Bucks County
$150-$400
Quakertown, Perkasie, Doylestown area
Inspections:Footer, framing, final
Typical Timeline:2-4 weeks
Upper Bucks typically faster than Central/Lower Bucks.
Local Lehigh Valley Requirements
Frost depth and permit requirements by municipality.
PA Deck Code FAQs
Do I need a permit to build a deck in PA?
Most deck projects require a permit. Any deck over 30 inches above grade, attached to the house, or over 200 square feet requires a permit. Small ground-level decks under 200 sq ft MAY be exempt, but this varies by municipality. Always check with your local building department.
What is the minimum railing height for decks in PA?
Pennsylvania follows the IRC which requires guardrails on any deck more than 30 inches above grade. Minimum guardrail height is 36 inches for residential decks. Balusters must be spaced so a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through. Commercial decks require 42-inch railings.
How deep do deck footings need to be?
In Pennsylvania, deck footings must extend below the frost line: 36 inches in the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia areas, 42 inches in the Poconos and northern regions. Footing diameter is typically 12-18 inches depending on load requirements.
How much does a deck permit cost in PA?
Deck permit fees in PA typically range from $50-$400 depending on the municipality and deck size. Most Lehigh Valley communities charge $100-$250. Some areas also require a zoning permit fee ($25-$75). VM Power Decks includes permit handling in our services.
What happens if I build without a permit?
Building without a required permit can result in fines ($100-$1000+), forced removal of the structure, insurance claim denials, and problems when selling your home. The small permit fee is worth the protection and peace of mind.
How close to the property line can I build a deck?
Setback requirements vary by municipality, but typically decks must be at least 5-10 feet from rear and side property lines. Front setbacks are usually larger (15-25 feet). Check your property's zoning requirements for specific distances.
Do I need a permit to replace deck boards in PA?
Generally, no permit is needed for deck resurfacing or board replacement if you're not changing the structure. However, if you're making structural changes or the deck doesn't meet current codes, permits may be required. When in doubt, check with your local building department.
How long does it take to get a deck permit in PA?
Permit approval typically takes 1-2 weeks in most Lehigh Valley communities. Larger or more complex projects may take 2-4 weeks. Planning ahead and submitting complete applications helps speed the process.