Free-Standing Decks Permit Requirement?

[toucano]

Does anyone know for sure if a building permit is required to build a wooden deck that is covered but not attached to any structure? If not, are there any size limitations?

[Hotzcatz]

Yup, you need a building permit for that.

[Kapohocat]

Anything over 6' in height requires a permit... although you can get a permit without a architect stamp on buildings under 1200 sf.

[Hotzcatz]

Providing of course, your building under 1200 sf is not on post and pier foundation, then you need to get a stamp on that regardless of size. Check the Hawaii County website, they have information on what requires building permits.

[Kapohocat]

Actually if you have a continuous exterior concrete or a slab (See General Requirements Page 3, Item No. 9) [Section 2907] you do not need a arch/eng stamp.

And remember that shortly the county (is trying to) adopt the 1997 codes. They say they WILL be, the Council has to approve!

Edited by - kapohocat on 05/09/2006 09:02:25

[Hotzcatz]

Thanks Kapoho Cat,

I forgot about the continous concrete exterior walls! (With appropriate ventilation and access, of course.)

Anything over 30" above grade needs a (minimum) 36" high railing around it that a 4" sphere can't fit through. At one time it was a 6" sphere, it seems to be getting smaller all the time.

The '97 codebook is a set of two books, much bigger than the "old" UBC. It would be nice if they would highlight the differences from the previous version, but oh well! Honolulu has been using the '97 codes for quite some time, so if you have a set of "Honolulu" UBC code books, that should be the same.

[HADave]

just moving forward for inquiring minds

[Punamom]

Are we gonna get any notice when these codes may change or as soon as they approve it, it goes into effect?
What about existing construction that has not been finaled yet do they still apply the old codes if the adopt the new ones?
I want to put a front,back and maybe side porch on my house after I get finals.
Would that need an architect stamp and would it be affected by the new codes?

[Kapohocat]

Do we ever get notice? ...... When catchment tanks were changed - no notice. When "wet stamp" requirements were changed - no notice...

-Cat

Catherine Dumond
Blue Water Project Management
808 217-7578
http://bluewaterpm.125mb.com/index.html
"We help make building your dream home a reality"

[Hotzcatz]

Aloha Punamom,

Your current construction (if the permit is still valid - which basically means some sort of construction has been going on at least every 120 days since you started construction) can remain at the current 1991 Hawaii County Codes - or whatever codes were in place when you pulled the permit. Once the portion of constructed allowed on that permit has been finaled, then the next construction phase & permit will be to whatever codes are current at the time you apply for your next building permit.

As to if you need an architect's stamp on your plans, that depends on the construction methods and size of addition.

The County has all sorts of information sheets on these details. Check their website or pick them up from the County offices at where J.C. Penny's used to be. That is Aupuni Street, I think.

A hui hou,
Cathy