How to Draw Your Own Plans for a Deck Permit

Before starting any deck build, you'll need a building permit, whether you plan to build the deck yourself or hire a professional contractor. This permit ensures your new deck is built to meet code standards for structural integrity and safety. To secure a permit, you will need to submit deck plans.

The good news is you don’t need a degree in architecture to draw deck plans for a building permit. Many homeowners choose to create their own deck plans. However, it is important to approach this task carefully to ensure that your plans comply with local regulations. In this article, you will gain important information and tips on how to draw plans for a deck permit.

Can You Draw Your Own Deck Plans for a Permit?

A great deck starts with a great plan. Your plan can be as rudimentary as a sketch done with pencil, measuring tape and graphing paper or a more elaborate rendering using computer-aided design (CAD) tools. Whichever route you take, it is key to ensure your plan is to scale. For example, every 1/4" on your design could relate to 1' on the actual deck. It really comes down to what is required by your local building department.

There are a variety of online tools available to help homeowners bring their deck visions to life. From template deck plans to deck design programs, there are lots of great resources out there to help you feel like the Mies Van der Rohe of your deck project.

Ultimately, when it comes to deck drawings for permit, here’s what building departments are looking for:

• Compliance: Residential deck plans for permits are used to make sure the deck design complies with all local building codes, zoning regulations and safety standards. Along with those compliances being met, authorities are also looking for load-bearing capacity, setback distances and railing heights. All these standards vary based on your location.
• Clarity: A deck site plan provides clear and precise visual representations of the proposed layout, dimensions and materials. This ultimately gives permitting offices the project scope and a sense for the overall impact on the surrounding environment.
• Documentation: Any deck plans sent to the permitting office are used as documentation, making it easier to track changes and modification during construction.

Do you need an Architect to Draw Plans for a Deck?

In most cases, a professional architect is not legally required to draw residential deck plans for a permit. However, plans for large or complicated projects, such as a rooftop deck, may require the seal of a licensed architect or structural engineer. The same may apply to a deck that must blend with local architectural styling. Check with your local building authority to be sure.

While working with an architect to draw deck plans for a permit may add cost to a project, it can also provide tremendous peace of mind. Architects are trained in the mechanics and art of building and structural design. They are well-versed in the building codes required for construction and skilled at drawing deck plans that comply with local regulations.

Who Can Design Deck Plans for You?

If you dig into your local permitting requirements for your new deck, you’ll typically find the requirement for “engineering drawings”. These are drawings showing all the construction elements of your new project. Although this may seem complicated, it's actually simpler than you might expect, and there are many people available to assist you.

Here are our recommendations for who can design deck plans for you:

• Structural Engineers have the specific knowledge to design a compliant deck and the tools to put together suitable drawings.  These services are particularly useful when designing a large and more complex deck. 
• Residential Architects have a broad understanding of the construction process and can help draw plans on your behalf. Architects will rely on their engineering skills to put together your drawings. However, if you need help with the overall design, an architect can be a great resource.
• Certified Landscapers often have the knowledge and experience to put together drawings for garden decks. This is typically due to many building departments considering decks as a landscape feature, resulting in hard landscapers offering deck design, drawing, and building services.
• Professional Deck Builders, such as a Trex Pro Builder, are one of the best resources for having your plans drawn up.  Not only do they have the tools to draw the actual plans, they also have extensive knowledge of design, material options, and deck upgrades. While our other suggestions will get you a satisfactory result, professional deck builders have the edge when it comes to new materials, trends, and design.
• Homeowners. That's right, you can draw up your own drawings. This means you can put forward your own drawings without the need to hire a third party. With help from friends and family, along with the use of online tools such as Trex Design Tools, you can put together professional drawings that your building department will use to approve your project. Not only does this save on time spent waiting for contractors to draw up your plans, but you're also spared the cost of hiring a drawing service.

How Much Does it Cost to Get Deck Plans Drawn?

According to HomeGuide, hiring an architect can cost $100 - $250 per hour. If your design is more complex—such as raised decks, decks with stairs, or added features like kitchens and pergolas—the cost will rise due to the need for intricate load calculations and code compliance checks. Complex plans can exceed $1000, and multi-level or large decks with roofs can cost several thousand dollars.

Choosing whether to hire a professional depends on your confidence in creating compliant plans and the complexity of your design. For simple decks, using online tools to draw your own plans can save money. However, as designs become intricate, moving to professional structural engineering ensures safety, durability, and compliance. Paying for professional services provides peace of mind and avoids design errors and costly revisions.

What is Required for Deck Drawings for a Permit?

Drawing deck plans doesn’t have to be complicated, but your plans must comply with local building codes. To find out what is required to apply for a deck permit, contact your local building department to obtain a copy of the codes and regulations specific to your area. Many municipalities offer information packets that outline the items that need to be submitted at the time of application. Some even offer easy-to-use deck templates that guide you through the required information and steps for drawing residential deck plans for permit.

To issue a decking permit, a permitting office typically needs the following:

• A completed application (which can be found either on the building department’s website or at their office)
• At least two sets of building plans
• Multiple copies of the site plan drawn to scale
• Contractor license (this isn’t required if you’re building the deck yourself)
• Payment for the decking permit and review fees

Once the above information and payment have been submitted, it can take several weeks to get everything approved, so be sure to account for this process in your project timeline.

How to Draw Deck Plans for a Deck Permit

When drawing deck plans for permits, it’s imperative to include certain details to show a comprehensive overview of the project. The most effective deck plans for building permits clearly show that the finished deck will be compliant with local building codes and zoning regulations. A complete set of deck building plans will include two elements – site plans and elevation plans.

Site Plans

A site plan is a set of drawings that function as a map of the building site. A site plan of the property can be obtained through different measures, such as local building departments, city records, or having a company do it for you. If the site plan is obtainable from the municipality, the deck plan can be included to illustrate its location and dimensions relative to the property lines. This plan should be drawn to scale and include the following details:

• Property Boundaries: Mark the deck’s position relative to property lines, neighboring structures, and setback requirements.
• Deck Dimensions: Provide exact measurements for the deck’s length, width, height, and elevation from the ground. Include precise dimensions for substructure elements like footings, beams, joists, and posts. Here's a breakdown of all the parts of a deck.
• Existing Structures: Identify locations of the house, garage, pool, and any major structures, such as pergolas, fences, or outbuildings.
• Access Points: Indicate all access points on the deck, including stairs, ramps, or other entry and exit methods.
• Utilities: Identify the locations of water, gas, and electric lines, as well as any well and septic systems. This facilitates future customization of your deck.

To ensure compliance with local regulations, provide construction details that illustrate how the deck will be built. Include:

How to Draw Elevation Plans for a Deck Permit

When applying for a deck permit, you will also need to submit an elevation plan. This blueprint-style drawing provides a view of the planned deck from the side and shows the heights of the various components, their vertical arrangements, and other information not easily conveyed on the site plan.

Elevation Plans

As far as how to draw a blueprint for a deck, a good elevation plan should include the following:

• Initial assessment – Determine the desired height and placement of the deck. Be sure to consider the existing topography, nearby structures, and any potential obstacles, as it’s important to address them before construction begins.
• Elevation sketch – Include information about the deck’s height from the ground, the vertical dimensions of foundational components (footings, beams, joists, posts, etc.) and additional features like stairs, railings and attached structures.
• Annotations – Label all the elements on the elevation plan, including dimensions, materials to be used and any other relevant information.

The details required for the site and elevation plans may seem daunting, but they achieve the goal of providing as much information as possible to the permitting office, as well as a potential contractor, and can help streamline the approval and building process.

Is there an App to Build a Deck?

Trex offers a variety of free deck design tools to kick-start your deck project. From designing your deck to picking materials to budget cost, these tools offer an assortment of features that will allow you to see how your deck will look once complete. 

Trex AR Deck Visualizer App

With the use of your smartphone and camera, you can visualize your new deck in no time with the Trex AR Deck Visualizer App. Augmented reality technology allows you to experiment with different deck frame layouts, color options, and railing designs while overlaying them into your own garden space in real-time. This innovative technology gives you instant access to countless deck designs without leaving the comfort of your own home.

Trex Deck Designer

Experiment with layouts, visualize your ideas in 3D, and create one-of-a-kind designs right from your computer with the Trex Deck Designer. Once you have fine-tuned your design, create a material shopping list and download your blueprints for your contractors and local building departments.

Downloadable Deck Plans

Get your deck project started effortlessly with our pre-made, designer-curated deck plans designed to match the most popular styles. These tried-and-true plans are perfect for any home, offering a head start with styles and layouts that work beautifully in a variety of spaces. Choose a plan that fits your vision, then customize it with ease—adjust dimensions, and materials, or add features like steps, staircases, and raised levels. With these expertly crafted designs, creating your dream deck has never been easier.

Decking Material Cost Calculator

The Trex Cost Calculator is a helpful tool for estimating the cost of your decking materials. You can choose between two options: a quick estimate based on the general size and details of your project or a more detailed version that factors in your specific material selections. Please note this tool provides an estimate for materials only—labor and installation costs are not included. It’s a great way to get an idea of what to expect as you start planning your deck project.

Create Detailed Deck Plans

Creating deck plans for a permit is a crucial step in transforming your vision into a lasting outdoor space for family and friends. While you can draft your own plans, it's important to be aware of your limitations. If you're unsure about any design elements or if your deck is complex, consult with an architect, structural engineer, or professional deck contractor. Their expertise ensures your project’s safety and compliance. Find local experts using the Find a Builder tool.