Wondering “do I need a permit to build a deck” in Sacramento? Short answer: yes in most cases. You’re typically exempt only if all are true: the deck is detached, 200 sq ft or smaller, 30 in. or lower, not serving a required exit door, and has no utilities (electrical/gas). This guide gives you the exact steps to apply, what plans to include, typical timelines, and how TOV Plans & Permits can handle the entire process from plan set to final inspection.
Sacramento Quick-Check: Do You Need a Deck Permit?
You’ll need a permit if any of these are true:
- The deck attaches to your house (ledger)
- The walking surface is over 30 inches above the ground
- The deck is over ~200 sq ft
- You’re adding a roof/cover, stairs/guards, or changing an exit door
- You’re adding electrical or gas (separate trade permits too)
You might be exempt only if ALL are true:
- Detached (not connected to the house)
- 200 sq ft or smaller
- 30 inches high or lower at every point
- Does not serve the required exit door
- No utilities (no new electric or gas)
Miss one of those exemption boxes? Plan on getting a permit.
What You’ll Need to Apply
- Site plan — house, deck outline, property lines, distances
- Framing plan — joists, beams, posts, connectors
- Footings — locations, diameter, depth, post-to-footing hardware
- Ledger & flashing (if attached) — fastener pattern + waterproofing detail
- Stairs/guards (if included) — rise/run, heights, spacing
- Materials — wood/composite, exterior-rated fasteners/connectors
- Utilities — simple sheet for outlets/lighting or gas (trade permits)
Tip: 3–5 photos of the area help reviewers understand your project fast.
How to Apply for a Deck Permit in Sacramento
You submit plans electronically, and approvals are issued electronically. If you want help or need to pay at the cashier, you can schedule a Public Counter appointment or use the on-site kiosk, but plan submittals/resubmittals are still online (no paper). Sacramento County is also electronic-only for building permits.
Pick the right office
- Inside city limits → City of Sacramento (Public Permit Portal + EPC).
- Unincorporated area → Sacramento County (Accela Citizen Access).
Create your portal account
- City: Register a free Public Portal account; EPC is how you submit plans and track reviews online.
- County: Create an Accela account; the County handles all building permits electronically.
Prepare your plan PDFs (what reviewers expect)
- Site plan: house outline, deck outline, property lines, setbacks/distances
- Framing plan: joist size/spacing; beam size/spans; post layout; connectors/hardware
- Footings: number, diameter & depth, post-to-footing hardware
- Ledger & flashing (if attached): fastener pattern + waterproofing detail
- Stairs/guards (if included): rise/run; handrail/guard heights; infill spacing
- Materials: lumber/decking; exterior-rated fasteners/connectors
- Utilities (if any): small sheet for outlets/lighting or a gas stub (trade permits)
City tip: The EPC guide asks you to condense the package into a few bookmarked PDFs; you can submit remotely or get help at the public counter.
- Start the application & upload
City (EPC): Start a Planning/EPC record in the portal; once cleared for Building review, upload your plan PDFs and pay fees.
County: Start a Building application in Accela, upload plan PDFs, and pay fees online. - Plan review & corrections
Reviewers post comments in the portal. Update the affected sheets, cloud the changes, re-upload, and reply to each comment in clear, simple language. (You can monitor status and fees in the portal.) - Permit issuance & inspections
Print the permit card and stamped plans from the portal and keep them on site. Schedule inspections in order: Footings → Framing → Final (plus electrical/gas inspections if applicable).
Need a Hand?
TOV Plans & Permits can assemble the full plan set, file it through the correct portal, handle corrections, and coordinate Footings → Framing → Final so you’re approved without the back-and-forth.
How long does approval take?
- Simple, detached, low decks: 5–10 business days for plan review/permit; inspections (footings, framing, final) typically booked 1–3 business days out.
- Attached/covered/engineered decks: 2–4 weeks total (plan review 10–20 business days plus 3–7 business days for any corrections) before inspections.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Before you apply
- Confirm jurisdiction (City vs. County) and check setbacks/easements/HOA.
- Decide attached vs. freestanding; note max height and any utilities (electric/gas).
Your plan set (what reviewers expect)
- Site plan: house + deck outline, distances to property lines.
- Framing: joist/beam sizes & spans, post layout, connectors.
- Footings: quantity, diameter & depth, post-to-footing hardware.
- Ledger & flashing (if attached): show fastener pattern + waterproofing.
- Stairs/guards (if any): rise/run, rail/guard heights, spacing.
- List materials; use exterior-rated fasteners/connectors.
Submittal tips
- Clear PDF names (e.g.,
123Main_SitePlan.pdf); one orientation; legible dimensions. - Plain-English description; accurate contact/valuation.
Review & corrections
- Address every comment, cloud/date changes, re-upload only revised sheets.
Inspections (don’t miss these)
- Keep permit card + stamped plans on site.
- Schedule in order: Footings → Framing → Final (+ trade inspections if utilities).
- Don’t pour or cover framing before the inspector signs off.
SERVING SACRAMENTO AND BEYOND
Need a Deck Permit in California?
TOV team handles plans, submissions, and approvals—fast and hassle-free.
