Residential Permit Guidelines and Forms

Plan Review for New Construction and Additions

Please refer to the following guidelines when submitting plans for review:
Residential Plan Review Guidelines

Deck

Application/Handout

What to Submit?

* Completed application.
* 2 copies of a Certified Plat of Survey with the proposed location of the deck and stairs drawn to scale with dimensions. Indicate side and rear setbacks.
* 2 copies of plan details drawn to scale with dimensions, elevations, and details of the deck construction. Include elevation showing finished grade.

Location

If your subdivision (lot) was platted before 1991 then the deck shall maintain a minimum 7’ side yard setback. If your subdivision (lot) was platted after 1991 then the deck the deck shall maintain a minimum 10' side yard setback. Decks cannot be located within 23’ of the rear lot line. Decks also cannot be located in any easement.

Rules & Restrictions 

 All work shall include all items required by the 2012 International Residential Code, including, but not limited to, the following items. Piers shall be a minimum of 8” diameter and 42” below grade. Decks shall be designed to a minimum live load of 40 lbs. per square feet, balconies at 60 lbs. Piers are required for the support of all stairs. Remove all vegetation below your deck. Install a landscape fabric or similar material and cover with a minimum of 2” of gravel. Posts shall be anchored to the concrete piers with approved galvanized metal anchors. Pre-cast concrete pads on grade for deck support are not permitted. Any deck attached to a cantilever greater than 2 ft. requires additional piers and beams. For more information, please see the deck handout. 

Driveway

Application/Handout

What to Submit?

For driveways constructed in connection with a new building, addition to an existing building, or a driveway that is either expanded/lengthened: 
* Completed application
* Copy of contract/proposal
* A Plat of Survey showing length/width and location with respect to adjacent streets and buildings

For driveways to be resurfaced/removed & replaced only: 
* Completed application
* Copy of contract/proposal

Location

* Driveways must maintain a 3 foot side lot line setback.
* At Public Right-of-Way (lot line), often times this is the sidewalk, the driveway may not exceed 20 feet in width. 
* At the back of the curb (streets edge) the driveway may not exceed 24 feet in width. 
An existing residential driveway that exceeds the 20’ width at the Right-of-Way line or less than a 3’ side setback may be maintained, repaired and replaced at its current configuration if, and only if, the driveway complied at the time of its original installation. 

Rules & Restrictions 

Blacktop
* The base must have a minimum of 6” compacted limestone rock-fill.
* The blacktop must be at least 2” thick and flare at the street.

Concrete
* 3” Slump
* 3%-8% Air Entrainment
* The base must be a minimum of 4” compacted (crushed) limestone.
* The concrete minimum thickness is 6” at the approach and the sidewalk at the driveway, the minimum concrete thickness is 4” on the driveway on private property.

Paver Brick
* Driveways require a minimum of 6-12” of base and 1-1 1/2” of bedding. The base and bedding shall be compacted.
* Install the base in 4” lifts. 
* Edge restraints must be installed.