didn't get construction permit?

Question

I just built a deck but I din't get a permit. Could this cause me trouble?
I followed instructions from a few books, but I didn't check local codes.

Answer 1

It could potentially harm you if you plan to sell your house in the near term. Most communitities have very specific codes for things like decks and additions and they have to be followed to the letter. For instance, if you plan to sell your house the buyer will hire and inspector that is familiar with local code that will come and give your house a once over and look for potential problems and code violations that need to be fixed prior to selling the house. If you only dug your footings 3 feet down instead of 4 or you used regular drywalls crews rather than stainless steel screws, etc. All these types of things would need to be fixed before you could sell your house.
I would go to your local code enforecement office and ask to see the code book for decks and see exactly what the requirements are. That way you at least know what you need to do in case you want to sell your house.

Answer 2

It's just like the first fellow said, it depends on where you live.

In CA, I deal with code enforcement at least every couple weeks. Our code enforcement applies a violation penalty of the original fees x 3-10 depending on your attitude and how quickly you respond to legalizing the violation.

If you wish to legalize it, and you built it to code, draw up the basic plan and submit to the building department, letting them know you've built it already. Remember the book may not be demonstrating your local requirements. Your local building department may have a handout for residential construction or example sheets for deck construction.

If you want to let it go, draw up the plans anyway. Identify the joists type and grade, girders, hangers, fasteners, ledger, etc. Details of connection are important. Once you have the plans, put them in an envelope and file them until needed.

Answer 3

Permitting isn't just a means for govt. revenue, it's also a means by which the construction will be inspected and hopefully passed, which in effect, lessens your liability. Assume too that the liability extends not only to possible personal injury claims, but to insuring the deck as part of the property, in case of damage to it or the house. Certainly the general notion is often "HEY it's my house, why can't I?" AND admittedly permits can be over the top in fees, and possibly permiting is just another way for the tax assessor to increase your property tax bill.

Obviously if you have decent neighbors, and/or live in an area where Decking isn't such a major issue in code enforcement you may get by.

Depending on how strict your local code enforcement/taxing/zoning/permit agency is, if they do happen to nail you on it they coulod fine you, and/or have you remove whatever you build.

Steven Wolf

Answer 4

Probably the best advice I can give you is to go to whicheve departmen in your city give out building permits, and be honest with them. Tell them that you forgot to get a permit, and would like to correct the problem. Otherwise there could be serious problems. If an inspector happens to see a deck where there wasn't one before, he could force you to remove it. Also, when it comes time to sell your house, there will be problems.

Answer 5

It depends on where you live and who becomes interested. Most likely if it is already in place it won't be a problem for you if nobody around you complains.

Answer 6

Don't worry about it. If they give you trouble jack them up.