Do I Need a Permit for a Deck in Michigan?

You want to build a deck. You have a design in mind, you have priced out the materials, and you are ready to start digging post holes. But before you pick up a shovel, there is a question you need to answer: do you need a building permit?

In almost every municipality in Metro Detroit, the answer is yes.

The General Rule in Michigan

Michigan follows the Michigan Residential Code, which is based on the International Residential Code (IRC). Under these codes, any structure attached to your home requires a building permit. Since most residential decks are attached to the house via a ledger board bolted to the rim joist, they fall squarely under the permit requirement.

Even freestanding decks — those not physically attached to the house — typically require a permit if they are above a certain height or size. The specific threshold varies by municipality, but in most Metro Detroit communities, any deck more than 30 inches above grade requires a permit regardless of whether it is attached or freestanding.

Some municipalities exempt very small, ground-level platforms — think a simple landing pad at a back door that sits directly on grade. But anything substantial enough to be called a deck almost certainly requires a permit.

What the Permit Process Looks Like

The permit process for a residential deck in Metro Detroit is straightforward, though it does require some preparation. Here is what is involved.

Step 1: Submit a Plan

You will need to provide a basic plan showing the deck dimensions, height above grade, post locations, beam and joist sizes, ledger board attachment method, railing details, stair locations and dimensions, and the distance from property lines. Most building departments do not require architect-stamped drawings for a standard residential deck, but the plan does need to show enough detail that the inspector can verify compliance with the building code.

Step 2: Pay the Fee

Permit fees in Metro Detroit typically range from $75 to $300 depending on the municipality and the size of the project. This is a one-time fee paid when you submit the application. Some communities also charge a plan review fee.

Step 3: Wait for Approval

Most residential deck permits in Metro Detroit are approved within one to two weeks. Some communities offer same-day or next-day approval for standard deck plans that meet code without variances. If your deck design requires a variance — for example, if it does not meet the required setback from a property line — the process takes longer and may require a hearing before the zoning board.

Step 4: Build to Code

Once the permit is issued, you build the deck according to the approved plans. There are specific code requirements for footing depth (42 inches in Michigan to get below the frost line), post size and spacing, beam size, joist size and spacing, ledger board attachment, railing height (36 inches minimum for decks up to 30 inches above grade, 42 inches for higher decks in some municipalities), baluster spacing (no more than 4 inches apart), and stair dimensions.

Step 5: Schedule Inspections

Most municipalities require at least two inspections for a deck project. A footing inspection before you pour concrete to verify the holes are the correct depth and diameter, and a final inspection after the deck is complete to verify everything matches the approved plans and meets code. Some communities add a framing inspection between these two.

What Happens If You Build Without a Permit

This is where a lot of homeowners make a costly mistake. They figure the deck is in their backyard, nobody is going to notice, and they can skip the hassle and the fee. Here is why that thinking backfires.

You may be ordered to remove it. If the building department discovers an unpermitted deck — and they do, often through neighbor complaints, property tax assessments, or when you sell the house — they can issue a stop-work order, require you to obtain a retroactive permit (which costs more and may require partial demolition for inspection access), or in extreme cases, order you to tear it down.

Your homeowner's insurance may not cover it. If someone is injured on an unpermitted deck, your insurance company may deny the claim on the grounds that the structure was built without proper authorization and may not be safe. This exposes you to personal liability.

It will complicate selling your home. When you sell, the buyer's home inspection will likely identify the deck, and their title company will check for permits. An unpermitted deck can delay or kill a sale. The buyer may require you to obtain a retroactive permit, have the deck inspected and brought to code, or remove it entirely before closing.

It may actually be unsafe. Building codes exist because decks collapse. According to the North American Deck and Railing Association, deck collapses injure thousands of people every year, and the leading cause is improper construction — specifically, inadequate ledger board connections and undersized footings. The permit and inspection process exists to catch these problems before someone gets hurt.

Common Code Requirements for Michigan Decks

If you are planning a deck in Metro Detroit, here are the key code requirements you need to know.

• Footings: Minimum 42 inches deep (Michigan frost line). Typically 12-inch diameter for standard posts. Must bear on undisturbed soil or compacted fill.
• Posts: Minimum 6x6 for most residential applications. Must be connected to footings with approved hardware — setting a post directly in concrete without a bracket is no longer code-compliant in most jurisdictions.
• Beams: Sized based on span and spacing. Double 2x10 or double 2x12 is typical for residential decks.
• Joists: 2x8 or 2x10 at 16 inches on center is standard. Joist hangers required at all connections to beams and ledger boards.
• Ledger board: Must be lag-bolted or through-bolted to the house rim joist with approved flashing to prevent water infiltration. This is the single most critical connection in a deck — the majority of deck collapses occur because of ledger board failure.
• Railings: Required on any deck surface 30 inches or more above grade. Minimum height of 36 inches (42 inches in some municipalities). Balusters spaced no more than 4 inches apart. Must resist a 200-pound lateral load.
• Stairs: Maximum rise of 7-3/4 inches, minimum tread depth of 10 inches. Handrails required if more than three risers. Consistent riser height throughout the staircase.

Let Us Handle the Permits

At Pro-Time Services, we handle the entire permit process for every deck we build. We prepare the plans, submit the application, pay the fees (included in your project cost), schedule the inspections, and ensure everything passes the first time. You do not have to visit the building department or figure out code requirements — that is our job.

Learn more about our deck and patio construction services or request a free estimate for your project.