wood boards over cement in back yard - considered deck?

I live in a two family and I have a tiny back yard. I have concrete floor on the ground and it is ugly…  Can I just connect some 4x4s to the ground and put some 2×6 on it so it looks like a deck? Basically 4″ off the gorund?  Can I have this all around my yard or do I need to keep it a certain distance from my property line like when you have a deck? becasue I am not sure if this is considered a deck….

doblover

in Dept. of Buildings (DOB) 11 years and 11 months ago

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nalusurf | 11 years and 11 months ago

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Agree with MH.  This should be consisdered a “floating” deck and therefor should not require any permits as you will not be doing any digging for footings or attaching to any permanent structures.  You can apply strips of window flashing (flexible with and adhesive side) to the tops of your 4×4’s to prevent moisture build up between 4x’s and 2x’s.  If you want to keep your 4x’s slightly off the ground to deter rot you can install metal post bases spaced along the run of the 4×4’s.  This will keep them about an inch off the ground and only minimally raise the total height of the structure.  Tapcon masonry screws are great for securing to concrete, I use them all the time.

marie-helene | 11 years and 11 months ago

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As long as it’s not attached to your house, and just resting on the concrete pad, I’m pretty sure the same rules apply as a shed:  at least 3′ from your lot line and your house, no need for a permit. Leave at least an inch clearance so the wood doesn’t rot (too fast.)