Deck Regulations

Planning to build a deck. I was told that the sides of a wooden deck must be at least 3ft from adjacent properties. Seems to make sense as it’s a combustible material. Now I was told that regardless of the material (metal included) a deck structure must still abide by this 3ft rule. That seems to be contrary to just about every deck that I have seen. Can any one confirm this? Is this a new reg? Thank you

basementbound

in Brownstoner Renovation 10 years and 4 months ago

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dazednconfused2 | 10 years and 4 months ago

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Thank you very much. It was a fun project, and was selected as a Brownstoner House of the Day back in 2011.

basementbound | 10 years and 4 months ago

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Thanks again for your reply. Just checked out your website. Ironically I think I have actually been in the Maple Street Hse before it was gutted. Nice work!

dazednconfused2 | 10 years and 4 months ago

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Yes,noncombustible decks can be on the property line.

basementbound | 10 years and 4 months ago

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Thanks so much for your reply. Can you verify that the sides of a metal deck can abutt an adjacent property line?

dazednconfused2 | 10 years and 4 months ago

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A deck is allowed to project 8 feet into the required year yard, and the stairs are a permitted obstruction.

basementbound | 10 years and 4 months ago

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Thank you! I considered having the stairs (metal) extend along the edge from the building but they would end 1′ outside the limit created by the 30′ boundary rule. Is this a permitted obstruction?

resident2 | 10 years and 4 months ago

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Many decks that you see do not comply with the code or zoning in many cases. They should always be filed. You can build to the full width of your house but the 3′ to the property line must be of fire proof materials. The structural components must all be fireproof. (columns, beams, stairs etc) depending on the zoning; but in most residential zones, you cannot build within 30′ of the rear boundary. The deck cannot extend out more than 8′ if there are bedrooms below the deck with legal windows. ( If you build beyond 8′, you no longer have legal windows for the bedroom.

jockdeboeraia | 10 years and 4 months ago

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It would depend upon the zoning of the property, but it your building goes to the property line than if the current zoning still supports that, then 3′ away if combustible.