Building a Deck in Austin

[SMDhorn]

My wife and I are looking to replace our deck. We just moved into the house, and it's the first big thing we're looking to take care of. It's currently old, rotting, and full of lose boards.

My primary question is, do I need any permits of any sort? It's replacing an existing deck, but I will be tearing the old one out completely.

As far as the new deck goes, I'm planning on using treated pine for the substructure, but we haven't made a decision on the actual decking material. I'd be fine with treated pine for that, but if there are other preferred materials for use in Central Texas (such as different woods or composite materials), I'd love to know.

The current deck is a 20' x 20' L-shaped deck built around a 8' x 10' concrete patio, and we're planning on keeping the new deck the same size. The only difference is that it will need to be higher off the ground to get the joists and beams out of the dirt.

 

[Texas___Fight]

We put in a covered patio about a year ago and I found that I had more issues with the HOA than the city (Pflugerville). I was told to fax a copy of the plans to the HOA and if I don't hear back in 30 day then it's approved. I was told by the city a permit wasn't required but I elected to get one anyway due to the power lines running through my yard.

I know the trex decking is more expensive but if you plan on the long haul it may be worth it.

Trex decking

 

[Ave. H Horn]

Your first concern should be your HOA. If you have an active (re: Nazi regime) HOA, then you will most likely need to obtain a City building permit.
Per City of Austin Land Development Code, Title 25. Land Development. Chapter 25-12. Technical Codes. Article 1l. Residential Code. Section 25-12-243 Local Amendments To The Residential Code. R105.2 Work exempt from permit. Permits shall not be required for the following. Exemption from
permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or nay other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
Building:
1. One-story detached accessory structures, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.52 m2).

Now we just went through this with our HOA. We wrote a comprehensive letter to both HOA & COA explaining our situation and why we felt permit was not required. We were waived permit according to the above. However, according to COA residential permitting rep, COA will require a permit if the deck is ATTACHED to your existing slab. We used dek block, so technically it is a detached, accessory structure.

All that being said, if you have a good relationship with your neighbors and do not have an HOA, go ahead and build the damn thing. Invite the neighbors over to drink beer and build it & then enjoy it after construction is complete.

P.M. me if you want/ need more info.

 

[SMDhorn]

The deck is completely detached from the house, but it is 320 sq/ft., so I'm probably going to need a permit...

The thing about this deck is that there is an existing deck with the same footprint. The plan is to rip the old one out and replace it entirely.

I'm sure it will get by the HOA just fine. The COA, on the other hand, wants to do a site plan review (around $100) before any permits would be issued... I haven't called them back yet, but I'm not so sure a site plan is necessary, as there is already a deck there (and on the survey as well). I'm fine with having to get the permit, but the site plan review seems like the city's trying to shore up their budget at my expense...

 

[TheFied]

I had a deck put in 2 years ago in the spring. I did not get any permits from the CoA and I did not get permission from my HOA. Probably should have with the HOA but my neighborhood HOA was not yet fully made (I was one of the 1st to go in).

2 brothers did our deck -> they do interior stuff and decks. They were recommended to me from a friend. They did it basically during one weekend (~250 sqft?). They used treated pine for the structure underneath and smooth cedar for the rest. They did use rough sawn cedar for vertical elements.

I stained it a few weeks after they finished. Then last year. And then a few weeks ago. I use the Behr weatherproofing that is rated for every 4 years but barely lasts 9 months.

The smooth cedar looks great IMHO.

 

[TheFied]

After a rain...

 

[Scooter]

Take a picture of the existing deck.

Replace existing deck.

when someone complains show picture. Tell them you only replaced deck boards.