Deck construction is considered an addition to a home, and therefore requires permits and inspections to ensure it’s safe. Please review the Deck Details document prior to your permit submission.

Permits Required
A basic deck usually requires only a Residential Building Permit. The following types of permits could be required, depending on the complexity of the project:

Residential Building Permit for construction of architectural and structural elements

Electrical Permit for all electrical installations 

Plumbing Permit for all installations of plumbing 

Permit Process   
Customers can choose to submit building permits and land disturbance applications in paper or electronic.     
  
 Residential Permit Review Process  
 
Construction Document Requirements   
Submitted construction documents must contain sufficient information for plan reviewers to be able to review the proposed construction work.     

In addition to the Residential Permit review process when building a deck, you need to submit the following information: 

• A scaled plat
• Elevation drawings of all sides of proposed decks
• Footing details (minimum footing depth is 12 inches)
• The size, spacing and length of all posts, joists, and beams shown on a framing plan (“bird’s eye view”)
• Handrail and guard details and dimensions
• Stair details and dimensions (if applicable) including a note relative to stairway illumination (e.g., “all stairs shall be provided with an artificial light source which will illuminate the stair including all treads and landings”)
• Attachment details, such as the attachment to the house, joist to beam connections, rail to post connections, post to footing, etc.

Inspections   
Throughout your building permit process and depending upon the extent of the work, you will be required to complete different inspections.     

Minimum Inspections required for a deck are as follows:

• Footing Inspection: After the footing is dug prior to cast in place concrete
• Framing Inspection: joists, beams, connections and mechanical attachments are inspected prior to placement of decking
• Final Compliance Inspection: all remaining items are inspected

Call Onslow County to schedule your inspection appointment by 4:00 p.m. for next day inspections:

• Permit Technicians: 910-455-3661 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday

Fees   
The cost for permits varies depending upon each project. 

Fee Schedule


*Additional permits may be required from other departments.