Wood Deck Construction

1. Building permits are required for wood decks. Permits may be obtained by a homeowner (show driver’s licensed) or a State of Michigan Licensed Builder registered with the City of Ferndale. When submitting an application, provide the following:
   1. Completed building permit application.
   2. One copy of a sealed mortgage survey without modifications.
   3. Three (3) sets of construction plans (see example).
   4. Three (3) site plans indicating size, shape, placement and distance from property lines and easements to the proposed deck (see example).
2. Required Inspections (some decks may require additional inspections):
   1. Empty post hole and setback inspection.
   2. Open joist inspection.
   3. Final inspection
3. Foundation:
   Posts are to be set on 12 inches of poured concrete, a minimum of 42 inches below grade and bearing on undisturbed soil. The type of soil on the property determines the size and number of post supports required. Sandy soils will support 2000 pounds per square foot. Silt or clay soils will support 1500 pounds per square foot. Decks shall be designed to support 50 pounds per square foot on the walking surface. An 8-inch diameter concrete base (12 inches thick) under the post will support 14 square feet of deck in sandy soils or 10.5 square feet of deck surface in a silt/clay soil.
4. Framing:
   All material in contact with the ground shall be rated for ground contact use. Beams must sit on top of the posts or be attached to the posts with approved hardware (bolts alone are not approved). Joists must sit on top of the beams or be attached with approved hardware.
5. Framing Fasteners:
   All nails, brackets and fasteners shall be hot dipped zinc coated galvanized or stainless steel.
6. Handrails and Guardrails:
   1. Handrails: Stairways of four risers or more require a handrail between 34 and 38 inches measured vertically from the nosing of the treads. All required handrails shall be continuous the full length of the stairs. Ends shall be returned or terminate into a wall.
      The handgrip portion of the handrails shall not be more than 2-1/4 inches in cross-sectional dimension or the shape shall provide an equivalent gripping surface. The handgrip portion of handrails shall have a smooth surface with no sharp corners.
      Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than 1-1/2 inches between the wall and the handrail.
   2. Guardrails: Porches, balconies or raised floor surfaces located more than 30 inches above grade shall have guardrails not less than 36 inches in height.
      Open sides of stairs with a total rise of more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below shall have guardrails not less than 36 inches in height measured vertically from the nosing of the treads.
      Required guardrails on open sides of stairways, raised floor areas, balconies and porches shall have intermediate rails or ornamental closures which will not allow passage of an object 4 inches in diameter. Horizontal spacing between the vertical members in required guardrails shall be less than 4 inches at the farthest point between the members.
      Exception: The triangular openings formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail of a guard at the open side of a stairway may not allow passage of an object 6 inches in diameter.
   3. Treads and Risers: Per 2006 Michigan Residential Code, the maximum riser height shall be 8-1/4 inches and the minimum tread depth shall be 9 inches. Treads greater than 9 inches and less than 11 inches shall have a ¾ inch to 1-¼ inch nosing. The greatest tread depth within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 of an inch. The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 of an inch.
7. Decking (Deck Floor): Decking is generally 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 nominal size material spanning 16 inches to 24 inches (5/4 material spans 16 inches or less).
8. Joists: (Joists are used to support the deck floor):

Maximum span between supports:

9. Beams (Beams are used to support the joists)

Deck Beam Spans (L_B)¹

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The City of Ferndale, Michigan
300 East Nine Mile Road
Ferndale, Michigan  48220
(248) 546-2525