RESIDENTIAL DECK PLAN REVIEW
This packet is provided to assist in assembling a successful deck plan review submittal. The information is a summary of plan review
requirements and is not intended as a substitute for the Code. The following items are required for all deck plan reviews; covered decks require
additional information. Walk-through plan check is limited to 15 minutes. If more time is required, the plans are checked in at the front counter.
DECKS NOT EXCEEDING 200 SQUARE FEET, LESS THAN 30” ABOVE GRADE AT THE HIGHEST POINT, DETACHED FROM THE
DWELLING, AND NOT SERVING THE MAIN ENTRY DOOR ARE EXEMPT FROM PERMITTING.
PLOT PLAN A site/plot plan review is required for all deck plans. Contact the zoning depart-
ment having jurisdiction for additional information.
Complete street address.
Legal description of property.
Property lines and dimensions. Include side, front and rear yards.
All site improvements, including existing and proposed new con-
struction (deck, patio enclosure, garage, etc.)
Show window well locations and clearances.
Egress window wells require a clear path of 36” in both height and width
under the deck to a yard or court. Egress window well openings through
the deck must be protected with a guardrail or approved grate cover that
requires 30 lbs or less to open without the use of a key, tool, or special
knowledge.
DECK STRUCTURAL FRAMING PLAN & OVERVIEW PLAN Drawn to scale (1/4” preferred) or fully dimensioned
Framing material - Joists and beams of a lumber species allowed per
code and be specified on plan. Use treated or decay resistive material for
joists less than 6” from ground.
Joist sizes and spacing of all repetitive framing materials.
Beam sizes. All beams must have full bearing. Engineered beam
products for exterior use must be of wolmanized material or approved for
exterior use.
No bolting of beams to the side of posts without approval stamp of a
Colorado licensed design professional. Beams located entirely in post
notches are allowed to be bolted.
Beam splices must be directly over post; mid-span splices are not
allowed unless engineered.
Ledger. Ledger boards must be weather protected by an approved
method; usually 2 - flashing or spacing. Fasteners must be staggered in
two rows and fasteners must be of sufficient length to extend beyond the
inside face of the rim board. Ledgers cannot be attached to a cantilever
(see detail on page 2), brick veneer or manufactured home without the
approval stamp of state of Colorado licensed design professional. Infor-
mation must include:
Size: 2x8 minimum
Material: pressure-preservative-treated or naturally durable No. 2
grade lumber
Connection type:
Size and quantity of lag bolts Lag screws and/or nails
Supporting material:
Rim
Stud
Concrete
Concrete masonry unit
Specify hangers used
Posts. Information must include:
Material
Size
Height: 8’ Max for 4x4 or 4x6, 14’ Max for 6x6
DECKING MATERIAL Specify material and thickness of decking. Code allows any type of wood. Com-
posite materials must be ICC approved. Review the ICC Evaluation Reports - a
link is available on our web site under Plan Check/Handouts & Drawings. Instal-
lations of composite deck materials must comply with the ICC evaluation re-
ports; reports must be on site at inspection.
FOUNDATION PLAN
Soil bearing capacity stated as shown on the soils report. If un-
known, 1,500 psf will be assumed.
Location of piers shown.
Diameter of piers specified.
Footing detail provided, (see RBD handout).
Hot tub location and dimensions indicated, if any.
Detached decks less than 24” above grade and greater than 200
square feet, OR serving the main entry door may be placed on piers
with a 12” depth. Pier sizes will be different than shown on span chart.
STAIR SECTIONS
Stringers: Material, Size, and Spacing
Rise/Run dimensions: 7 3/4” maximum rise, 10” minimum run.
Width: 36” minimum
GUARDRAIL & HANDRAIL SYSTEMS Stairs with 4 or more risers require handrails installed between 34 – 38” above
landing and nosing of the stair treads. The grip of the handrail cannot be less
than 1 ¼” or more than 2” in diameter. The International Residential Code al-
lows handrails to be constructed of 2 x 3 or greater material (2 x 4, 2 x 6, etc.)
placed on end and provided with a graspable finger recess area on both sides
of the handrail profile. For specific information, refer to the IRC.
Decks more than 30” above grade require a minimum guardrail height of 36”
and maximum 4” spacing between balusters.
Composite materials must be ICC approved. Please review the ICC Evaluation
Reports - a link is available on our web site under Plan Check/Handouts &
Drawings. Installations of composite guardrail and handrail systems must com-
ply with the ICC evaluation reports; reports must be on site at the time of in-
spection. (Note: If the composite guardrail differs from the ICC approved instal-
lation, stamped engineering drawings are required. Please call our office for
detailed requirements.)
NAIL/SCREW USAGE Wood screws can be used on decking planks, but only nails are acceptable for
hangers, unless specifically allowed per hanger manufacturer. End nailing or
toe nailing of joists is not allowed at flush beam conditions; use full height hang-
ers for all connections. Contact RBD regarding specific applications of screws/
nails.
El Paso County 719-520-6300 Colorado Springs 719-385-5982
Fountain 719-382-8521 Manitou Springs 719-685-4398
Monument 719-481-2954 Palmer Lake 719-481-2953
Green Mountain
Falls
719-684-9414 Woodland Park
(City limits)
719-687-5202
Pikes Peak REGIONAL Building Department
2880 International Cr., Colorado Springs, CO 80910 • Telephone 719-327-2880 • www.pprbd.org
Page 1 of 3 12/03/2019
STAIR DETAILS GUARD DETAILS FOOTING DETAILS
LEDGER DETAILS CANTILEVER DETAILS
FRAMING EXAMPLE
Page 2 of 3 12/03/2019
SPECIESa
SIZEb
12 16 24 12 16 24
2 x 6 9' 11" 9' 0" 7' 7" 6' 8" 6' 8" 6' 8"
2 x 8 13' 1" 11' 10" 9' 8" 10' 1" 10' 1" 9' 8"
2 x 10 16' 2" 14' 0" 11' 5" 14' 6" 14' 0" 11' 5"
2 x 12 18' 0" 16' 6" 13' 6" 18' 0" 16' 6" 13' 6"
2 x 6 9' 6" 8' 8" 7' 2" 6' 3" 6' 3" 6' 3"
2 x 8 12' 6" 11' 1" 9' 1" 9' 5" 9' 5" 9' 1"
2 x 10 15' 8" 13' 7" 11' 1" 13' 7" 13' 7" 11' 1"
2 x 12 18' 0" 15' 9" 12' 10" 18' 0" 15' 9" 12' 10"
2 x 6 8' 10" 8' 0" 7' 0" 5' 7" 5' 7" 5' 7"
2 x 8 11' 8" 10' 7" 8' 8" 8' 6" 8' 6" 8' 6"
2 x 10 14' 11" 13' 0" 10' 7" 12' 3" 12' 3" 10' 7"
2 x 12 17' 5" 15' 1" 12' 4" 16' 5" 15' 1" 12' 4"
a. No. 2 grade, wet service factor
b. Ground snow load, live load = 40 psf, dead load = 10 psf
c. Cantilever lengths cannot exceed one-fourth of the joist span
SPECIESa
SIZEb,c
6 8 10 12 14 16 18
(2) 2 x 6 6' 11" 5' 11" 5' 4" 4' 10" 4' 6" 4' 3" 4' 0"
(2) 2 x 8 8' 9" 7' 7" 6' 9" 6' 2" 5' 9" 5' 4" 5' 0"
(2) 2 x 10 10' 4" 9' 0" 8' 0" 7' 4" 6' 9" 6' 4" 6' 0"
(2) 2 x 12 12' 2" 10' 7" 9' 5" 8' 7" 8' 0" 7' 6" 7' 0"
(3) 2 x 6 8' 2" 7' 5" 6' 8" 6' 1" 5' 8" 5' 3" 5' 0"
(3) 2 x 8 10' 10" 9' 6" 8' 6" 7' 9" 7' 2" 6' 8" 6' 4"
(3) 2 x 10 13' 0" 11' 3" 10' 0" 9' 2" 8' 6" 7' 11" 7' 6"
(3) 2 x 12 15' 3" 13' 3" 11' 10" 10' 9" 10' 0" 9' 4" 8' 10"
(2) 2 x 6 5' 5" 4' 8" 4' 2" 3' 10" 3' 6" 3' 1" 2' 9"
(2) 2 x 8 6' 10" 5' 11" 5' 4" 4' 10" 4' 6" 4' 1" 3' 8"
(2) 2 x 10 8' 4" 7' 3" 6' 6" 5' 11" 5' 6" 5' 1" 4' 8"
(2) 2 x 12 9' 8" 8' 5" 7' 6" 6' 10" 6' 4" 5' 11" 5' 7"
(3) 2 x 6 7' 4" 6' 8" 6' 0" 5' 6" 5' 1" 4' 9" 4' 6"
(3) 2 x 8 9' 8" 8' 6" 7' 7" 6' 11" 6' 5" 6' 0" 5' 8"
(3) 2 x 10 12' 0" 10' 5" 9' 4" 8' 6" 7' 10" 7' 4" 6' 11"
(3) 2 x 12 13' 11" 12' 1" 10' 9" 9' 10" 9' 1" 8' 6" 8' 1"
a. No. 2 grade, wet service factor
b. Ground snow, live load = 40 psf, dead load = 10 psf
c. Beam depth shall be greater or equal to depth of joists with a flush beam condition
e. Beam cantilever lengths cannot exceed one-fourth the actual beam span
6 8 10 12 14 16 18
End/Center End/Center End/Center End/Center End/Center End/Center End/Center
Up to 6' 8" / 8" 8" / 10" 8" / 12" 8" / 12" 8" / 14" 8" / 16" 8" / 16"
7' 8" / 8" 8" / 10" 8" / 12" 8" / 14" 8" / 16" 8" / 16" 10" / 18"
8' 8" / 10" 8" / 12" 8" / 14" 8" / 16" 10" / 18" 10" / 18" 10" / 20"
9' 8" / 10" 8" / 12" 8" / 14" 8" / 16" 10" / 18" 10" / 20" 10" / 22"
10' 8" / 12" 8" / 14" 8" / 16" 8" / 18" 10" / 20" 10" / 22" 12" / 22"
11' 8" / 12" 8" / 14" 8" / 16" 10" / 18" 10" / 20" 12" / 22" 14" / 24"
12' 8" / 12" 8" / 16" 8" / 18" 10" / 20" 12" / 22" 12" / 24" 14" / 26"
13' 8" / 14" 8" / 16" 10" / 18" 10" / 20" 12" / 22" 12" / 24" 14" / 26"
14' 8" / 14" 8" / 16" 10" / 20" 10" / 22" 12" / 24" 14" / 26" 14" / 28"
b. Post spacing is measured from centerline of post to centerline of post, not to include beam cantilevers
16” o.c. 24” o.c. 12” o.c. 16” o.c. 24” o.c.
(1) 7/16” (2) 5/16” (1) 3/8” (1) 3/8” (2) 3/8”
(2) 5/16” (2) 7/16” (1) 3/8” (2) 3/8” (2) 3/8”
(2) 3/8” (2) 7/16” (2) 3/8” (2) 3/8” (3) 3/8”
(2) 7/16” (3) 7/16” (2) 3/8” (2) 3/8” (3) 3/8”
(2) 7/16” (3) 7/16” (2) 3/8” (3) 3/8” (4) 3/8”
(3) 3/8” (4) 3/8” (2) 3/8” (3) 3/8” (4) 3/8”
FIGURE 1 - BEAM INFLUENCE WIDTH EXAMPLES
c. Ledger shall be flashed and/or sealed at the top to prevent water from contacting the rim joist.
d. Alternative ledger connection shall be sized for 120% of live and dead loads.
e. Deck ledger shall not be attached to an un-supported rim unless such connection is designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice.
f. Rim joist material shall be 2" nomimal lumber or minimum 1 1/8" engineered wood product. When solid sawn deck ledgers are attached to 1" thick or less
engineered wood product, the ledger attachment shall be designed in accordance with accepted engeering practice.
BEAM POST
SPACINGb
JOIST SPAN
8’-1” to 10’
10’-1” to 12’
(C)MINIMUM NUMBER OF FASTENER(S) AND SIZEa, b, c, d, f, g, h
STUD RIM JOIST
DECK SPAN CHARTS (Per 2015 IRC ©)
DECK LEDGER CONNECTION
JOIST SPACING FOR DECKING MATERIALS
BEAMS
JOISTS
FOOTINGSDECK JOIST SPAN LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO (feet):
(beam influence length)a
b. Ledger shall be tight to exterior face of the exterior wall. Ledgers may be spaced with an approved product or connection designed in accordance with accepted
engineering practice.
JOIST SPACING W/O CANTILEVER JOIST SPACING W/ CANTILEVERc
Southern Pine
Douglas fir-larch
Hem-fir
Spruce-pine-fir
12’-1” to 14’
14’-1” to 16’
6’-1” to 8’
a. The tip of the lag screw shall extend beyond the inside face of the rim joist. Through bolts shall be provided with a plate washer at the inside face of the rim joist.
Redwood
Western cedars
Ponderosa pine
Red pine
Southern pine
DECK JOIST SPAN LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO (feet):
(beam influence length)d, e
12 inches
6’ and less
Douglas fir-larch
Hem-fir
Spruce-pine-fir
Redwood
Western cedar
Ponerosa pine
Red pine
MATERIAL TYPE AND NOMINAL SIZE
MAXIMUM ON-CENTER JOIST SPACING
PERPENDICULAR DIAGONAL
h. Deck ledgers shall not be supported on stone or masonry veneer without engineering or a listed fastener approved for this application
d. Beam influence length is the total length of joist span being supported on both sides of the beam, to include joist spans on both sides and joist cantilever lengths.
See Figure 1 illustrations.
a. Beam influence length is the total length of joist span being supported on both sides of the beam, to include joist spans on both sides and joist cantilever lengths.
See Figure 1 illustrations.
g. Wood structural panel sheathing, gypsum board sheathing, and approved siding materials shall be permitted between the ledger and rim joist provided the
distance between the face of the rim and face of the ledger does not exceed 1 inch.
16 inches
Per R507.3 or ES Report
2-inch thick wood
Plastic composite
16 inches
24 inches
Per R507.3 or ES Report
1 1/4-inch thick wood
Page 3 of 3 12/03/2019
HO
US
E W
ALL
Beam 1 Beam 2
Joist span Overhang
Joist spanOverhang
Influence width Beam 1
Influence width Beam 2
BEAM AT FREE STANDING DECK
HO
US
E W
ALL
Beam 1
Joist span Overhang
Influence width Beam 1
OUTSIDE DROPPED BEAMH
OU
SE
WA
LL
Beam 1
Joist span
Influence width Beam 1
OUTSIDE FLUSHED BEAM
HO
US
E W
ALL
Beam 1
Joist span 1
Influence width Beam 1
MULTI-SPAN FLUSHED BEAM
Joist span 2
Beam 2
Influence width Beam 2
Joist span 2
HO
US
E W
ALL
Beam 1
Joist span 1
Influence width Beam 1
MULTI-SPAN DROPPED BEAM
Joist span 2
Beam 2
Influence width Beam 2
Joist span 2 Overhang