Planning / Community Development - Decks & Patios

Decks and patios are allowed only in side and rear yard areas, but shall be no closer than ten (10) feet to a side lot line or rear lot line. An exception is along the common property line where there is a common wall for single family attached dwellings and semi detached dwellings where decks and patios will be permitted within the property boundaries up to the property line. Permits are required.
Submission requirements:

• Building permit
• Application review fee $40.00 (non-refundable)
• Plot plan, showing location of deck on house and setbacks (distance) from property lines.
• 2 sets --Detail drawings
• Certificate of Insurance of Workers Compensation Insurance for contractors
• Zoning setback - 10 feet from side & rear property lines without roof
• With roof - must meet setbacks for that property as well as lot coverage

Inspection requirements:

1. Post holes----- 36 inches deep (frost depth) - minimum 12 inches across - before pour or placement of posts.
2. Fasteners: nails, bolts, and joist hangers, etc. for pressure preservative treated wood MUST USE hot-dipped galvanized steel, stainless steel, silicon bronze or copper.
3. Flashing required to provide drainage away from connections
4. Frame inspection required for any deck less than 4 feet in height (before deck boards are installed).
5. Final ---------- deck completed with stairs and handrails where applicable.
6. Deck attached to house with lag bolts that must penetrate into solid rim joist or carriage bolts with nuts and washers for OSB rim joists.

Deck Application Submission Form

Fences/Walls

Fences and walls shall not exceed three (3) feet in height in front yard areas, and eight (8 feet in height in all other yard areas (except tennis court fences which may not exceed ten (10) feet in height). Fences and walls shall be no closer than two (2) feet to a property line unless there is a letter of consent from the adjacent property owner in which case they may be positioned on the property line. In no case shall any fence or wall be located in the existing street right-of-way or interfere with a clear sight triangle. An exception is along the common property line where there is a common wall for single family attached dwellings and semi detached dwellings where fences will be permitted within the property boundaries up to the property line. Permits are required.

Sheds

Storage sheds ( not to exceed one hundred, forty-four (144) square feet), swing sets, play structures and the like, are allowed only in side and rear yard areas, and may be no closer than five (5) feet to a side or rear lot line. Skate board ramps must meet required setbacks. Permits are required.

Miscellaneous

A detached garage or carport shall be allowed no closer than between ten (10) feet to a rear or side lot line unless the dwelling unit has a common wall structure. An exception is along the common property line where there is a common wall for single family attached dwellings and semi detached dwellings where a garage and deck will be permitted within the property boundaries up to the property line.

Private buildings and structures such as tennis courts, private bath houses (serving only pools accessory to principal residences) and greenhouses are allowed only in side and rear yard areas, and shall be no closer than ten (10) feet to a side or rear lot line and shall be buffered by landscaping from adjacent property.