SAMPLE GUIDE FOR RESIDENTIAL WOOD DECKS

 

EFFECTIVE Jan 4, 2010 there will be a Zoning Permit Fee of $50.00 payable to “Bernards Township” due upon submittal of any Construction Permit Application that requires Zoning Review.

1.       Submit 3 copies of the actual property survey showing the location of the deck in relation to house and property and include payment for Zoning Permit Fees of $50.00 payable to “Bernards Township”.

2.       Submit 2 copies of scaled drawings.  All drawings should indicate owner’s name, address of job site, block and lot number.  To draw your own plans you must be the owner and occupant of said property, if not you will need drawings by a New Jersey registered Architect or Engineer. The homeowner’s signature must be on the plans, which they prepare.

3.       Submit a completed Construction Permit application and Building Subcode application.

4.       The drawings submitted shall include the following information:

               

a.      Show deck in relation to house.

b.     Show door from house to deck.

c.      Indicate distance from top of threshold to deck

       (the deck shall not be more than 8 inches below the top of threshold without a landing)

d.     Specify type of wood being used to construct the deck

        (pressure treated or naturally durable heartwood of redwood, cedar, black               

        locust and black walnut.)

e.     Show footings, columns, girders, joists, ledger, flashing, decking,

                       guardrails (for decks 30 inches above floor or grade below), handrails,

                       stairways, lateral bracing, and connectors.

f.     Indicate the height from grade to the top of the deck.

g.    Fasteners shall be approved for use with pressure treated lumber

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM #4

 

1.      Pier Footings:  Minimum 36 inches below grade and 12 inches in diameter cut straight or use Sono Tube forms. (Second floor stairway stringer ends require footings).

 

2.     Columns:  Minimum 4 inches X 4 inches anchored to footings and secured to girder to prevent girder rotation and deck uplift.  Decks greater than 5’ off ground minimum column size to be 6” X 6”.

 

3.     Girders:  NOTE - joints in girder must be positive bearing above the support columns.

 

MAXIMUM SPAN FOR 1 STORY                                  1 ½ STORIES TO 2 STORIES

                2 (2” X 6”)                            5’ - 0”                                                                     4’ - 0”

                3 (2” X 6”)                            6’ - 0”                                                                     5’ - 2”

                2 (2” X 8”)                            6’ - 4”                                                                     5’ - 6”

                2 (2” X 10”)                          8’ - 0”                                                                     7’ - 0”

                3 (2” X 8”)                            8’ - 0”                                                                     7’ - 0”

                3 (2” X 10”)                          9’ - 0”                                                                     8’ - 0”

                2 (2” X 12”)                          9’ - 0”                                                                     8’ - 0”

 

4.    Floor Joist:

               

                   Size                                      Spacing                                  Maximum Clear Span

               

                2” X 6”                                  16” on center                                          9’ - 1”

                                                                12” on center                                        10’ - 0”

                2” X 8”                                  16” on center                                        12’ - 1”

                                                                12” on center                                        13’ - 3”

                2” X 10”                                16” on center                                        15’ - 3”

                                                                12” on center                                        16’ - 8”

 

5.     Ledger: Board against house securely attached with ½ inch diameter galvanized lag bolts of sufficient length to bolt firmly into rim joist a minimum of 2 Ό”.  Lag bolts shall be 16” on center in a staggered pattern.  Provide two bolts, one above the other, at each end.  Provide galvanized washers between heads of bolts and wood.  Through bolting with a washer on the outside and a washer and nut on the inside of the building, with similar bolting pattern as lag bolt is also acceptable.

 

6.     Decking: Exterior wood and plastic composite deck boards shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

 

7.     Flashing: Provide continuous corrosion-resistant flashing along ledger in such a manner as to prevent the passage of moisture into the wall, any untreated wood or wood siding. (EXCEPTION) Not required if against vinyl siding, metal siding or masonry.  In this case provide shims as not to crush siding when bolts are tightened.

 

8.     Guards: Walking surfaces and open sides of stairs more than 30” above grade shall have guards not less than 34” measured vertically from the stair nosing and not less than 36” above a walking surface.  Balusters or spindles shall be constructed so a 4” sphere cannot pass. (Exception: The triangular opening at the bottom rail of a guard and stair shall not allow the passage of a 6” sphere. Guards shall be constructed to withstand a 200 pound load in any direction along the top rail.

 

9.     Stairways: Minimum stairway width is 36 inches, Maximum riser height is 8 Ό inches.  Minimum tread is 9 inches. A nosing not less than Ύ” but not more than 1 Ό” shall be provided when solid riser are used.

 

10. Handrails:  All stairways with four or more risers require continuous handrails. Handrails shall not be less than 30” or greater than 38” measured vertically from the stair nosing. Handrails shall be continuous the full length of the stairs. Handrails shall be returned or shall terminate to a wall or post. Grip sizes shall be in accordance with 2009 International Residential Code NJ edition, Section R311.7.7.3.

 

10. Lateral Bracing: If deck is far enough above ground to cause it to sway, diagonal bracing is to be installed between girder and posts.

 

11. Connectors: All connectors, nails, screws, bolts and related hardware shall be hot-dipped zinc coated (galvanized), stainless steel, silicon bronze, copper or other corrosion resistant materials. When using hangers (TECO) all round holes must be filled using (TECO) nails.

 

12. Required inspections:  Call (908) 204-3172 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to schedule inspections.

 

                                                                 CALL ONLY WHEN YOU ARE READY FOR INSPECTION.

 

                                                1.   The bottom of footing before placement of concrete.

                                                                2.   Frame inspection for decks less than 5 feet above the ground.

3.   Final

4.   Final payment should be made after final inspection is made

      and approved N.J. State Law 13:45A-16.2

 

  If you have any questions about these or any other requirements please call Dennis Bettler, Construction Official

@ 908-204-3030 or e-mail dbettler@bernards.org