Wood Deck Construction

Building Permits

Building permits are required for wood decks.  When making application, provide the following:

1. Three sets of construction plans as required.  Click here to see examples.
2. Three site plans indicating size, shape, placement and distance from property lines and easements.  Click here to see examples.
3. Building permit application filled out (permits may be obtained by a bonafide homeowner--show driver's license--or a State of Michigan Licensed builder registered with the City of Ferndale).

Required inspections (some decks may require additional inspections)

1. Post hole and setback inspection.
2. Final inspection.

Foundation

Posts to be set a minimum of 42" below grade and shall bear on undisturbed soil

Framing

All material in contact with the ground shall be approved suitable for ground contact use.  All other material shall be pressure treated of decay resistant cedar or redwood.

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Framing Fasteners

All nails, bolts, brackets and fasteners shall be hot dipped zinc coated galvanized, stainless steel, silicon-bronze or copper.

Handrails and Guardrails

Handrails

Handrails having minimum and maximum heights of 34 inches and 38 inches respectively, measured vertically from the nosing of the treads, shall be provided on at least one side of stairways of three or more risers.  Spiral stairways and winders shall have the required handrail located on the outside radius.  All required handrails shall be continuous the full length of the stairs.  Ends shall be returned or shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminals.

The handgrip portion of the handrails shall not be more than 2 5/8 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 projecting from a wall shall have a space of not less than 1 1/2 inches between the wall and the handrail.

Guardrails

Porches, balconies or raised floor surfaces located more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below 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 34 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" or more in diameter.  Horizontal spacing between the vertical members in required guardrails shall be a maximum of 4 inches at the nearest 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 shall be of such a size that a sphere 6 inches in diameter cannot pass through.

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Decking (deck floor)

Decking is generally 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 nominal size material that can span 16 inches to 24 inches.

Joists

Joists are used to support the deck floor.

Maximum span between supports:

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Girders or Beams

Girders are used to support the joists.

Maximum span between posts:

Posts

Minimum size is 4" x 4" nominal.  Where decks are elevated, such as a 2 story deck, cross bracing is required to eliminate sway.

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