Do I need a permit to replace deck floor boards on the rooftop?

August 16, 2022 2:30 PM

My 2 story single-family house in Chicago has always had a roof deck since I bought it in 2012 and since it was built in 2003. It is about 1,200 square feet. Recently, the deck boards start to wear out. I am thinking to replace them with newer deck boards. I am planning to replace the natural wood boards with composite boards. There is no other changes to the deck otherwise. I wonder if I would need a permit for this. Thanks in advance!
posted by chicago-guy to Home & Garden (5 answers total)

A building permit is required to repair and/or replace porch components. If the porch of an occupied single family home is less than 50 square feet and less than 6’0” off the ground no permit is required.

Which porch components can be repaired with a permit only?
Non-structural components can be repaired or replaced with a permit only for example, decking, pickets, treads, risers, etc.


Source.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 2:34 PM on August 16, 2022 [3 favorites]

Please note that composite decking may require closer-spaces joists than older deck installations may have, so pay attention to that.
posted by metasarah at 5:55 PM on August 16, 2022 [2 favorites]

And if you have to add closer-spaced joists as metasarah said, then those are structural changes and you'll most likely need a permit
posted by TimHare at 8:23 PM on August 16, 2022

Flip existing deck boards so the worn surface faces down wash and stain the new surface.
posted by hortense at 8:42 PM on August 16, 2022 [2 favorites]

Your deck might require more than just a permit to get rebuilt. Previously: Chicago has a history with decks and porches.

TLDR: your old deck might not meet code and there is no grandfather clause and that means a structural engineer would need to stamp it as safe.
posted by zenon at 8:19 AM on August 17, 2022 [1 favorite]