Answer 5 questions about your project and get state-specific guidance on whether a permit is required — and what to do next.
Permit requirements vary significantly by state. Select your state to get accurate guidance.
An attached deck uses a ledger board bolted directly to the house structure. A freestanding deck is self-supporting with posts on all sides.
Measure from the ground to the top of the decking boards. 30 inches is the critical threshold in most codes.
Multiply length × width in feet. The 200 sq ft threshold is the most common exemption cutoff nationally.
Any permanent overhead structure — pergola, solid roof, shade structure on a fixed frame — changes the structural requirements and permit classification.
Results are based on the building code framework adopted by your state — not generic national averages.
The tool evaluates attachment type, height, square footage, and cover — the four factors that determine permit requirements in virtually every U.S. jurisdiction.
This tool provides guidance based on typical state rules. Your specific county or city may differ. The result tells you what to confirm locally.