Decks / Porches / Ramps / Repair

Deck Repair

caution-icon-40x40This permit type is for decking or guardrail repair/replacement only. For other work, a deck permit is required.

One and Two Family Residential Deck

A permit is required for all decks and deck repair (decking and guardrails) with the following exceptions:

  • Building permits are not required for patios made of concrete or pavers on grade. 
  • Freestanding decks (except manufactured homes) do not require a permit if they are not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and do not have a door exiting onto the deck. Freestanding decks do not require footings that extend below the frost depth. It is still important to consider zoning ordinances and/or homeowners association requirements prior to constructing a free standing deck. 

Manufactured Home Deck

Manufactured homes require a building permit for all decks that will be used for the path of exit/entry into the dwelling. 

A park approval letter is required for all permits and shall be submitted with application for permit.

Please review the information packets pertaining to your construction projects below under the Documents section.

  1. Step 1 - Review and Prepare
  2. Step 2 - Create an Account
  3. Step 3 - Apply
  4. Step 4 - Review and Payment
  5. Step 5 - Schedule an Inspection

Review and Prepare

Please review the information packets related to your construction project.

Additional information packets related to your construction project are available below in the Documents section.

Information and Documents Needed
to Submit a Permit

The following documents need to be available for upload during the online application process. Please note, all documents need to be in a PDF format.

  • Site Survey
    Showing location of deck or porch.
  • MN Structural Engineer's Report or Documentation from the Floor Truss Company
    (required if the house has a cantilevered floor where the deck/porch will be located)
  • MN Structural Engineer's Signed Plans
    (required if there is a hot tub located on the deck)
  • Helical Pile Design
    required if this is being used for the deck footings)
  • Diagram or Drawing of the Deck or Porch
    Showing the following:
    • Beam size and location
    • Footing size and spacing
    • Framing plan, joist size, and spacing
    • Material list, type of material
    • Rail size/height, space between railings
    • Size of deck and height from grade
    • Stair location and dimension
  • Park Office Approval Letter
    (if deck is being built in a manufactured home park)

Deck Repair

  • This permit type is for the repair/replacement of decking, handrails, and guards only
  • List/describe the following in the "Description" and "List Materials" box:
    • Decking Material if being replaced 
    • Guardrail/handrail materials if being replaced
    • Rail size/height, space between railings if applicable

For the most current fees related to your project, view the Fee Schedule (PDF).

Inspections

Inspections will typically include the following. Depending on your project, inspections may be added or removed.

Decks

  • Ledger Board  - a will meet inspection
  • Deck Footing - after the holes are dug but before the concrete is poured
  • Final

Porch

  • Footing – after the holes are dug but before the concrete is poured
  • Framing
  • Electrical RI and Final
  • Mechanical RI and Final
  • Water Weather Barrier
  • Final

Ramp

  • Framing
  • Final

Deck Repair

  • Final

To schedule an inspection follow the directions in Step 5 Schedule an Inspection.

Allow 3 to 4 business days for scheduling inspections and during the busy construction time please allow more time.

General Information

  • If the deck is going to be attached to a cantilever (overhang) either provide alternative method of framing support or provide proof that the cantilevers and floor trusses can bear additional load of the deck.

  • The City does not enforce Homeowners Association Rules or Neighborhood Covenants. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to verify compliance with neighborhood requirements prior to constructing your deck or porch.

Documents

  1. Additions (PDF)
  2. Basic Wood Framing (PDF)
  3. Building Plans (PDF)
  4. Cutting Notching and Boring (PDF)
  5. Fasteners (PDF)
  6. Footing Design (PDF)
  1. Framing Tips (PDF)
  2. Residential Deck Porch Ramp (PDF)
  3. Residential Safety Glazing (PDF)
  4. Stairs Landings and Guardrails (PDF)
  5. Truss to Wall Connections (PDF)