Building Permit Dilema
 

I have an existing 12' x 16' deck, 49" above grade. We want to cover it, full shingled roof, open sides, just your typical covered eating area.

By code I will need a variance (and my neighbours approval) to get my permit. If my deck was 1" or 2" lower I would be 'conforming' (48" high is the limit), I could just drop off my plans and wait two weeks, all done...

So I have a couple of choices:

1) Regrade the side yard (I have an 8' setback from the neighbors fence) and apply stating the deck is less than 48" above the ground. I think I could build this area up by 2" with soil/compost.

2) Ask my neighbor before I apply. This is the route I would take with a normal neighbor, but this guy complained that we use a clothesline (even though it's 100% legal/conforming). I do not want to have him say 'I don't like it', and then I'm stuck because I was polite enough to ask.

3) Drop my deck one step down. This is workable, but it makes me step down from my french doors, and it makes this section of the deck one step lower then remainder. To me it's a trip hazard.

I'm leaning towards 1). Do some landscaping before the inspector shows up (if he ever does).

Will this 'fool' the inspector if he snoops around?

I had this at one time and just raised the ground level.

Nothing ever came of it and I've no idea where the ground level is at now. the problem just went away - often a good way to deal with things.

Raise the ground.

I vote option 1.

Eff being polite to stupid obnoxious people.

Yep.... if it ever gets to that point. I'm thinking it doesn't, but that's the solution.

And put up lots of clothes lines :D

The thing is I only use it once a month. :confused:

And he rarely uses his back yard.

I'm ordering soil. Thank you everyone.

Yep, get soil, wait a couple weeks after inspection then remove to do it the way you want. Its only a couple inches, who's going to know or measure it?

Edited: Wife tells me that all the time.:D:mad::eek:

Not sure if anyone would go this length to challenge you but what was the proposed height of the deck when it was built?

The original deck was probably conforming because it was uncovered, which has fewer restrictions. Once you put a roof on there a lot more rules.

But the original deck was built without a permit, so I can't be sure.

screw the permit, it's just a small add-on roof line. Put in a raised garden bed under the deck rail and fill with bark/plants.

Nobody neighbor or inspector is going to care if you're 2" over height.

Add the dirt.

Do you have impervious restrictions where you are? Here a deck is not considered impervious, but a roof is. Only a certain percentage of the lot can be impervious.

Lol

BTDT not worth the risk which depending on where you live could be high too almost certain.

are you planning on selling this house anytime in the next twenty years?

if not, go ahead. f the inspectors.

If the inspectors are like they are here, they will tell you one thing, then after you followed their guidelines, will come back and tell you what you did isn't the right way

It’s not like that will result in you having to tear up 100 ft of brand new blacktop driveway and replace it with concrete. :rolleyes:

Ask me how I know.

Just be sure that when you add the soil you still have 6" of cement pier above grade. If your support posts are buried, I have no advice.

We had the same inspector.

I know its not relevant, but why do we regulate someone's property!

Control and money grab...