Guide to Building a New Deck
References: “Municipal Code – City of Warrenton” and “International Residential Code, 2015”
These guidelines have been prepared to assist in planning of residential deck construction which are in compliance with city codes. Nothing contained in these guidelines is intended to replace or supersede the regulations contained in the “Municipal Code – City of Warrenton.”
Deck Permit Information
A permit is required before constructing your deck and a minimum of three (3) inspections are required during the building process. All contractors are required to register with the Building Department at 636-456-3535.
Deck Regulations
Deck Regulations are per Chapter 500 of the Municipal Code-City of Warrenton and per Chapter 5, Section R507 of the 2015 International Residential Code.
General Regulations
The following guidelines are offered to assist you with your deck project. Please feel free to call the Building Department if you have questions, so we can assist you.
- All structures meet set-back requirements from all property lines and may not be located on an easement as specified by City Zoning Ordinances.
- All footings/piers for posts must be at least thirty inches (30”) inches below grade and a minimum of twelve inches (12”) wide (diameter) Belled eighteen inches (18”) wide (diameter) at the bottom for frost protection.
- All load bearing posts must be anchored to piers/footings with an approved post mounting
- All wood that comes into contact with the ground must be “ground contact”
- Joist hangers are required at the band board and ledger
- Guardrails are to be a minimum of thirty-six inches (36”) tall with balusters spaced not less than four inches (4”)
- Guardrails are required along open-side walking surfaces that are more than twenty four inches (30”) above the grade below.
- Stairs are to have a minimum nine inch (10”) tread cut and a maximum 7 ¾”
- Stringer risers are to be closed or blocked to a maximum opening of four inches (4”).
- Handrails must be a minimum of thirty-four (34”) and not greater than thirty-eight (38”) high measured vertically above the nosing of the treads.
- Graspable handrails are
- Stairways with fewer than four (4) risers are not required to have
- All overhead electrical wires must be at least twelve feet (12’) above the deck
- A landing is required at bottom of (Stair width X 36” minimum).
- Hold-down tension devices shall be installed in not less than two (2) locations per
General Inspection
A minimum of three inspections are required during the construction of your deck. They are as follows:
- Measurements will be made to ensure that the piers/footings are the proper depth and width or The location of your deck will also be verified to ensure compliance with property line restrictions. (A framing inspection may be performed at that time).
- A framing inspection prior to decking
- A final inspection will be performed when all necessary work has been completed. To schedule an inspection, please call the City of Warrenton Building Department at 636-456-3535. A minimum of 24 hours advance notice is required for scheduling purposes.
Permit Process
To obtain a permit for a deck, please submit the following items to the Building Department. (It is recommended that you call ahead if you wish to meet personally with the Building Commissioner during your visit).
Completed Deck Permit Application
Applications are available at the Building Department located at 200 W Booneslick or online at www.warrenton-mo.org
Deck Plans
A set of plans for your These drawings must show the size of the deck; method of attachment to the house; joist size, spacing and spans; the type of lumber to be used; a pier/footing diagram showing depth and width or diameter, post size elevation and; a stair detail showing stringer size, tread, and rise dimensions, guard rail height, spindle spacing and hand rail size.
All footings/piers for posts must be at least 30” below grade and a minimum of 12” wide (diameter) Belled 18” wide (diameter) at the bottom for frost protection.
Plat Record
A record plat showing the location of your home on your lot and the location of the deck with all the dimensions to the property lines, easements and setbacks.
Once the deck has been approved, you will be notified to pick up the permit at City Hall. The permit fee is to be paid at the time of pick-up.
Fees
The fee schedule for deck permits can be viewed on the Fees section of the Building permits page.
Deck Completed
Once the deck is complete a final inspection will need to be completed to close out the permit. Please call the Building Department at 636-456-3535 to arrange an inspection. All inspections require 24 hour notice to schedule.
Appeals and Variances
Please refer to Chapter 300 of the Municipal Code-City of Warrenton for the process for filing an appeal of a decision of the Building Commissioner.
Additional information
For additional information or if you have any questions, please call the Building Department at 636-456-3535. The entire City Code can be found on the City’s website at www.warrenton-mo.org