Background: The provisions of the PAUCC. ICC Property Maintenance Code, and the Borough of Doylestown Code of Ordinance shall control the design and installation of decks. Installation or expansion of decks and patios requires a permit.

Definitions: Deck – An exterior floor system supported on at least two opposing sides by an adjoining structure and/or posts, piers, or other independent supports.

Permit Required:

Deck Installation
Patio Installation

A permit is required for the installation of a deck or patio. Failure to secure a permit before installation may impose violations, fines and necessitate the removal of installed structures.

Planning Considerations

Zoning Requirements:

Before a deck permit can be issued it must be reviewed for zoning compliance. Each property within the Borough is part of a designated zoning district. The zoning district specifies the permitted land uses, such as residential, commercial, or industrial and the minimum distances or set back from the property lines for buildings, accessory structures, and fences, as well as maximum height restrictions.

When you apply for a deck permit, the application will automatically be routed to Zoning for review.

Historic District:

If you are located in the historic district and are making changes to the exterior of your property that can be seen from the street and exceed $2, 000 please review the HARB Certificate of Appropriateness requirements.

Applicable Building Codes

All construction work must conform to the requirements of the International Building Code 2018.

Standard Inspection Requirements:

  • Footing and foundation pre-pour (forms in place before concrete is poured)
  • Concrete slab and or backfill
  • Rough framing
  • Final

Deck Specifications and Drawing Information

Application Checklist

Please note that we are providing this checklist to assist you in submitting drawings and an application package that will provide enough information for us to understand your proposal and determine if it meets the building code. Failure to provide the needed information will delay your permit.

Permit Application and Review Procedures:

  • Applicant completes Building and Zoning Permit Application and Checklist. Residential applications require 2 complete sets of plans (site, architectural, mechanical, plumbing, structural, & electrical as needed).
  • Applicant delivers completed signed application, signed completed checklist, and 2 copies of all plans to Borough Building and Zoning Office.Make sure you have the proper type, i.e. residential or commercial. All applicable portions of the permit should be filled in. If you are unsure about the applicability of a question, please ask at the time of submittal. Plans must be complete, identical, legible, to scale, and stapled together as two separate sets.
  • All applications will be checked at the counter for completeness. If any of the required information, plans or checklist are missing, the building permit application cannot be accepted.
  • When you come in to file the application, we will determine permit fees.A fee schedule is available here. Payment must be made for application to be accepted. We will need a separate check for escrows.
  • Permit review is conducted once a week. Incomplete applications and plans will be returned to applicant. If the plans are incomplete, inaccurate, or un-clear, a correction letter will be sent to the applicant. This will require re-submittal of the corrected construction documents and cause a delay in issuing the permit.
  • We will contact you in writing with the results of the plan review.
  • You may start your project when you receive the permits. Note that it is your responsibility to schedule all inspections. Inspections must be scheduled 48 hours in advance.

Important: Your permit cannot be closed without a final inspection. Escrow will not be returned until the final is complete. Residential Building Permits Package (three documents) includes plumbing, mechanical, electrical etc.


The information provided in this guide is intended only to assist individuals in understanding the code requirements. It is not a complete recitation of the code. Property owners should consult the Doylestown Borough Code of Ordinance for answers to specific questions.