California / Los Angeles County
Deck Permit in Los Angeles County, California
It depends
Sometimes, depending on the project
Before building a deck whose walking surface is more than 30 inches above grade, any deck built over a basement or a story below, or any deck that forms part of an accessible route. The county's Permits page also lists decks among the miscellaneous items that generally require a permit.
Issued byLos Angeles County Public Works, Building and Safety Division
By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources
Quick answer
Title 26, Section 106.3 exempts decks, walks, and driveways that are not more than 30 inches above grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route. Anything above that height, over a lower story, or serving as an accessible route needs a building permit, and the county's Permits page lists decks among the miscellaneous items for which permits are generally required. This applies to unincorporated Los Angeles County only.
Typical threshold: height of the deck surface above grade; the exemption also requires the deck not to be over any basement or story below and not to be part of an accessible route.
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When a permit is usually needed
Before building a deck whose walking surface is more than 30 inches above grade, any deck built over a basement or a story below, or any deck that forms part of an accessible route. The county's Permits page also lists decks among the miscellaneous items that generally require a permit.
What a deck permit costs in Los Angeles County
How Los Angeles County compares in California
| Jurisdiction | Permit needed? | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Alameda County | It depends | Height of a raised deck above adjacent grade at which the building permit exemption stops, and only where the deck is not over a basement or story below and is not part of an accessible route |
| Contra Costa County | It depends | area of a deck that is also no more than 30 inches above grade at any point, is not attached to a dwelling, and does not serve a code-required exit door |
| Fresno County | Permit required | Any size |
| Los Angeles | Permit required | Any size |
| Los Angeles Countythis page | It depends | height of the deck surface above grade; the exemption also requires the deck not to be over any basement or story below and not to be part of an accessible route |
| Orange County | Permit required | Any size |
| Riverside County | It depends | A deck is exempt only if it is 200 square feet or less in area, no more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling or townhouse, and does not serve the required exit door |
Closest deck permit thresholds outside California
Jurisdictions we cover whose limit sits nearest Los Angeles County's 30 inches above grade.
- Arlington, Texas, height of an uncovered deck above grade at any point
- Aurora, Colorado, deck height above grade at which a permit is required regardless of whether the deck is attached to the house
- Clark County, Washington, Exempt only if the deck does not exceed 200 square feet, is not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, is not attached to a dwelling, does not serve a required exit door, and is not used for a hot tub or pool; all other decks require a permit.
- Hawaii County, Hawaii, height of a detached deck or platform; an attached deck is not exempt
How to apply in Los Angeles County
In Los Angeles County, a residential deck permit application is a set of construction documents that show what will be built and prove it meets the IRC deck provisions. In practice that means a scaled site plan locating the deck and its setbacks, plus deck plans and structural details covering the footings, posts, beams, joists, ledger, guards, and stairs.
What most deck permit applications include:
- For Los Angeles County, a permit application identifying the work, the deck's size (square footage), and whether electrical work such as lights or receptacles is included, submitted for plan review before construction begins (IRC R106).
- For Los Angeles County, a scaled site plan (for example 1/4 inch to 1 foot) showing the new deck's location relative to the house, its overall length and width, and dimensioned distances from the deck to all property lines and other structures so required setbacks can be verified (IRC R106.1.1).
- For Los Angeles County, a deck plan drawn to scale showing overall dimensions and the framing layout: joist size, spacing, span, and species; beam size and span; post size and height; and footing or pier size and depth (IRC R507.4 posts, R507.5 beams, R507.6 joists, R507.3 footings).
- For Los Angeles County, a section or side elevation with connection details showing the ledger attachment to the house band joist with flashing, the fastener or bolt schedule, joist hangers, post-to-beam and post-to-footing connections, and the required lateral load connection (IRC R507.9 ledger connection, R507.9.2 lateral connection, R507.2.4 flashing).
- Footing sizing derived from tributary area, the soil bearing value, and design loads per IRC Table R507.3.1, with footings shown bearing on undisturbed soil at the frost depth required by the jurisdiction (IRC R507.3).
- Details for the guards required where the walking surface is more than 30 inches above grade, and for the stairs and handrails, showing guard height and opening limits, stair riser and tread dimensions, and handrail location (IRC R312 guards, R311.7 stairs and handrails).
- For designs that fall outside the prescriptive R507 tables (for example multi-story or stacked decks, or a ledger attached to a cantilever), engineered and stamped structural plans are submitted in place of the prescriptive details (IRC R507.1 and R301).
General submittal guidance from IRC R106.1.1 (construction documents) and IRC R507 (exterior decks), 2021 IRC. Source. Los Angeles County Public Works, Building and Safety Division sets the exact checklist for Los Angeles County.
Where to apply in Los Angeles County:
Los Angeles County Public Works, Building and Safety Division
- Los Angeles County Public Works, Building and Safety Division, 3rd Floor, 900 S. Fremont Avenue, Alhambra, CA 91803
- Phone: 626-458-3173
Deck Permit in Los Angeles County compared with nearby California localities
| Locality | Permit needed? | Threshold | What each California schedule says | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles County | It depends | height of the deck surface above grade; the exemption also requires the deck not to be over any basement or story below and not to be part of an accessible route | ...grade is priced from the valuation-based Table 1-A Building Permit Fees ($65.36 for... | |
| Alameda County | It depends | Height of a raised deck above adjacent grade at which the building permit exemption stops, and only where the deck is not over a basement or story below and is not part of an accessible route | ...valuation using the Schedule A building permit fee table (for example, '$381.46 for... | |
| Contra Costa County | It depends | area of a deck that is also no more than 30 inches above grade at any point, is not attached to a dwelling, and does not serve a code-required exit door | No deck-specific flat fee is published | |
| Fresno County | Permit required | Any size | No flat deck permit fee is published | |
| Los Angeles | Permit required | Any size | ...graduated by declared project valuation per LAMC 91.113 Table 1-A, posted base $65... |
Inspections and closing out your permit
In Los Angeles County, deck work is inspected in sequence as it is built: the footings before concrete is placed, the framing before the decking boards go down, and a final inspection once the deck is complete. Each stage checks the items that would be hidden or unsafe if missed.
- Footing or pier inspection in Los Angeles County: after the holes are dug and any forms or reinforcing are set but before concrete is placed, the inspector checks footing depth and diameter, a flat undisturbed bearing surface, and that the holes are free of water (IRC R109.1.1 foundation inspection; R507.3 footings).
- Framing inspection in Los Angeles County: after the deck is framed but before the decking conceals it, the inspector verifies the ledger attachment and its flashing, the fastener and bolt schedule, joist hangers and metal connectors, post-to-beam and post-to-footing connections, and the lateral load connection; call it before decking is installed (IRC R109.1.4 frame inspection; R507.9 ledger and flashing).
- Final inspection in Los Angeles County: after the deck is complete and before it is used, the inspector confirms guard height and opening limits (a 4 inch sphere must not pass, 4 3/8 inch at stairs), stair riser and tread dimensions, handrail height and graspability where there are 4 or more risers, stair landings, and required stair lighting (IRC R109.1.6 final inspection; R312 guards, R311.7 stairs and handrails).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Los Angeles County permit portal or by phone at 626-458-3173.
Inspection sequence from IRC R109 (inspections: R109.1.1 footing before concrete, R109.1.4 frame, R109.1.6 final), 2021 IRC. Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Deck Permit checklist for Los Angeles County
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Typical threshold: height of the deck surface above grade; the exemption also requires the deck not to be over any basement or story below and not to be part of an accessible route. Usually needed: Before building a deck whose walking surface is more than 30 inches above grade, any deck built over a basement or a story below, or any deck that forms part of an accessible route. The county's Permits page also lists decks among the miscellaneous items that generally require a permit.
- Budget the fee. No deck line item is published. A deck more than 30 inches above grade is priced from the valuation-based Table 1-A Building Permit Fees ($65.36 for a total valuation of $0 to and including $700; $98.09 for more than $700 to and including $25,000 plus $25.27 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof in excess of $1,000), plus the $41.35 permit issuance fee. Building Code Fee Schedule (Title 26, Ord. No. 2013-0048), effective July 1, 2026. Official fee schedule.
- Apply. In Los Angeles County, a residential deck permit application is a set of construction documents that show what will be built and prove it meets the IRC deck provisions. In practice that means a scaled site plan locating the deck and its setbacks, plus deck plans and structural details covering the footings, posts, beams, joists, ledger, guards, and stairs. Start at the Los Angeles County permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. Los Angeles County Public Works, Building and Safety Division. Phone: 626-458-3173. Address: Los Angeles County Public Works, Building and Safety Division, 3rd Floor, 900 S. Fremont Avenue, Alhambra, CA 91803.
- Plan for inspections. In Los Angeles County, deck work is inspected in sequence as it is built: the footings before concrete is placed, the framing before the decking boards go down, and a final inspection once the deck is complete. Each stage checks the items that would be hidden or unsafe if missed.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked .
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a deck permit in Los Angeles County?
- Title 26, Section 106.3 exempts decks, walks, and driveways that are not more than 30 inches above grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route. Anything above that height, over a lower story, or serving as an accessible route needs a building permit, and the county's Permits page lists decks among the miscellaneous items for which permits are generally required. This applies to unincorporated Los Angeles County only. Height of the deck surface above grade; the exemption also requires the deck not to be over any basement or story below and not to be part of an accessible route. Always confirm with the office before starting.
- How much does a deck permit cost in Los Angeles County?
- No deck line item is published. A deck more than 30 inches above grade is priced from the valuation-based Table 1-A Building Permit Fees ($65.36 for a total valuation of $0 to and including $700; $98.09 for more than $700 to and including $25,000 plus $25.27 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof in excess of $1,000), plus the $41.35 permit issuance fee. Building Code Fee Schedule (Title 26, Ord. No. 2013-0048), effective July 1, 2026. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- Where do you apply for a deck permit in Los Angeles County?
- You can apply through the Los Angeles County permit portal or contact the Los Angeles County Public Works, Building and Safety Division directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull a deck permit themselves in Los Angeles County?
- Under California law (Business & Professions Code 7044(a)-(b); Business & Professions Code 7031.5): California exempts an owner from contractor licensing under section 7044 when they personally perform all the work on their own property, or any work they do not perform themselves is done by their own employees paid only wages, and none of the improvements are intended or offered for sale. It also exempts an owner who directly contracts with licensed contractors for each trade, as long as no more than four of the single-family residential structures involved are intended or offered for sale in a calendar year; this route does not apply if the owner instead contracts with a general contractor for the construction. A homeowner may also improve their own principal residence without a license, as long as the work is done before any sale, they have actually resided there for the 12 months before completion, and they have not used this exemption on more than two structures more than once in any three-year period. Selling a self-built structure within one year of completion creates a rebuttable presumption that it was built for sale, which defeats the exemption, and selling five or more structures within a year makes that presumption conclusive. Separately, every city or county that requires a permit must also require the applicant to file a signed statement giving their contractor license number or the basis of their claimed exemption; a false or missing statement carries a civil penalty of up to $500. Confirm how Los Angeles County applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Los Angeles County
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...the County of Los Angeles Code, Ord No. 2013-0049), effective July 1, 2026: $41.35... |
| Fence Permit | It depends | height of a fence or freestanding block wall measured from the lowest adjacent grade; a masonry or concrete fence must also be set back from a public way at least a distance equal to its height to stay exempt | ...6 feet is priced from the valuation-based Table 1-A Building Permit Fees: $65.36... |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...the County of Los Angeles Code, Ord No. 2013-0051), effective July 1, 2026: $41.35... |
| Patio Permit | It depends | Before building a patio cover, a carport, an enclosed patio, or any patio work that... | ...enclosure is priced from the valuation-based Table 1-A Building Permit Fees ($65.36... |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...28 of the Los Angeles Code, Ord. No. 2013-0050), effective July 1, 2026: $41.35 for... |
| Pool Permit | It depends | depth of a prefabricated pool or other body of water accessory to a one- or two-family (Group R-3) home; the same exemption also reaches pools that do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above adjacent grade | ...is priced from the valuation-based Table 1-A Building Permit Fees plus the $41.35... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | Permit required | Any size | A reroof is priced from the valuation-based Table 1-A Building Permit Fees ($65.36 for a... |
| Shed Permit | It depends | gross floor area of a one-story detached accessory building; the exemption also requires the height not to exceed 12 feet and the maximum roof projection not to exceed 24 inches | ...exemption is priced from the valuation-based Table 1-A Building Permit Fees ($65.36... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...permit fee for small residential rooftop photovoltaic systems shall not exceed $500... |
Deck Permit in other California localities
Everything above, sourced
Code references
National and state model-code sections the general guidance on this page is drawn from. They are not Los Angeles County documents; the office above sets the local rules.
How this deck permit page for Los Angeles County was verified. 2 official sources: dpw.lacounty.gov, dpw.lacounty.gov; fee schedule: official document. Last checked by Mario Bailey, not confirmed with Los Angeles County Public Works, Building and Safety Division. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: Report an error on this page
Compare Deck Permit requirements across California localities