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Deck Permit

Residential deck construction requires a permit. This type of residential project requires you to submit a detailed plan which allows us to perform a plan review.

Plans do not need to be professionally drawn. However, plans should be drawn to scale, neat, legible, and include all the information requested. These plans should provide enough detail that would allow a plan reviewer to build the project themselves.

To see what needs to be included on the detailed plan, see documents required below.

Building a deck yourself?

Before you decide to build a deck yourself, please consider the following:

Are you comfortable doing hard work?
Are you competent using hand and power tools?
Are you familiar with the Minnesota Residential Code on decks?
Do you have someone to help you?
Can you draw a construction plan?

Documents required

The below information is what we require to be included on your plans. See our guide for additional information.

Note: failing to submit all the required application materials will result in a rejected application. For additional information review our Deck handout (coming soon).

Plans – A set of detailed legible plans drawn to scale with elevations shall include:
- Deck width and length
- Footing sizes, locations, spacing and depth (if proposing helical piers see Notes and Additional Resources section below).
- Beam and post sizes, quantity type, and locations
- Floor joist, type, size, spacing and orientation
- Stair location (if applicable) 
Cross section/Elevations 
- Height of structure from grade
- Decking material, size, and type. Note: Plastic composite deck boards and stair treads, shall be in compliance with ASTM D7032 or provide evaluation report 
- Guardrail type, height and spacing of intermediate rails.
Ledger board attachment – details shall include:
- Flashing detail
- Type of floor system where ledger will be attached to: (dimensional lumber, I-joist, or open web-flor trusses)
- Ledger board height
- Attachment method to existing structure (if applicable)
- Fastener length, type, size and spacing.
Site plan or Survey
- Must show lot dimensions, property lines, distances from property lines for existing and proposed structures on the property.
- You will need to upload the site plan or survey with your plans.
- We may have a survey on file for your home, email us at permits@brooklynpark.org to inquire.
- Any new structure must meet the land use and setback requirements of the zoning code. zoning questions should be directed to the Planning Division at planning@brooklynpark.org.

Revising a plan

If you build your deck in any way that does not follow the city approved plan after the permit has been issued, revised plans shall be electronically submitted to the city for review. Your project cannot proceed until the revised plans have been approved.

Submitting documents

The required plans and documents listed above shall be submitted through our Electronic Permit Application.

Instructions can be found here.

Note: Construction work cannot begin until the permit has been approved, paid, and issued.

Electronic Permit Application

Plan Review

A plan review is conducted to ensure the plans submitted follow applicable codes. This insures we are keeping people safe where they live, work and play, and keeping buildings and property safe, durable, accessible, and energy efficient.

Review and approval will depend on the complexity of the project and completeness of the submittal documents.

Please allow five to seven business days for plan review, during the summer construction season wait times will be longer.

Once the plan review is completed and application is approved, you will be emailed letting you know the application is ready for payment.

Fees

Fees are based on total square footage of the addition to be built. Click Here to see the city’s current fee schedules >

Required inspections

Footings
- Pier footings – shall be inspected after holes are dug but prior to the placement of concrete.
- Diamond Pier footings – shall be inspected, all caps must be removed for the inspector.
- Helical Pier footings – see notes and additional resources section below for requirements.
Framing – Shall be inspected after deck and stair framing is installed but prior to the placement of decking, trims and fascia, or any items that conceal the view of the framing.
- Note: access to the interior of home may be required to verifying house floor system.
Deck Final – Shall be inspected after footings, ledger board, and framing inspections have been approved.

Common reasons for a failed inspection

Approved city plans not on job site.
Improper ledger board attachment and/or ledger fastening.
Deck not built to city approved plans.
Footings not 42″ below finished grade, or footing not level, clean, and free from debris.
Inspections not done in order.
Handrail missing.
Incorrect spacing of guardrail spindles.
Improper rise at stairs, typically the first or last riser.
Failure to install mechanical fasteners.
Beam members not properly nailed together.

Apply for a permit

Start your application here.