RESIDENTIAL WOOD DECK  GUIDELINES
 
  • ZONING COMPLIANCE REVIEW & PERMIT APPLICATION
    • A Zoning Compliance Permit is required prior to the submission of a Construction Permit Application
      • A Property Survey must be attached to the Zoning Compliance Permit Application showing the location of the deck in relation to house and property.
        • Submit 3 copies
      •  Fees $30.00
        • Payable to Borough of Mendham
  • CONSTRUCTION PERMIT APPLICATION
    • UCC FORMS PRINTED FROM THE INTERNET IN LANDSCAPE OR COPIES OF UCC FORMS MUST BE LEGIBLE AND NOT HAVE OFFICE ONLY SECTIONS BLACKED OUT
    • If your project is subject to a Home Owners Association review, a copy of the HOA approval must be submitted with your Construction Permit Application.
  • SCALED DRAWINGS REQURIED WITH THE APPLICATION 
    • Shall include the owner’s name, address of job site, block and lot number. 
    • Show deck in relation to house.
    • Show door from house to deck.
    • Indicate distance from top of threshold to deck
      • The deck shall not be more than 8 ¼ inches below the top of threshold without a landing
    • Specify type of wood and /or composite being used to construct the deck (pressure treated or naturally durable heartwood of redwood, cedar, black locust and black walnut.)
    • Show footings, columns, girders, joists, ledger, flashing, decking, guardrails for decks 30 inches above floor or grade below, handrails, stairways, lateral bracing, and connectors.
  • OWNER PREPARED SCALED DRAWINGS
    • You must be the owner and occupant of said property, if not you will need drawings by a New Jersey registered Architect or Engineer.
      • Submit 3 copies of Scaled Drawings and Manufacturer Installation Specs if using wood or plastic composite. 
      • The homeowner’s signature must be on the plans which they prepare and on the Certification In Lieu of Oath in the Construction Permit Application
  • INSPECTIONS REQUIRED
    • The bottom of footing before placement of concrete.
    • Frame inspection for decks less than 5 feet above the ground.
    • Final
    • N.J. State Law 13:5A-16.2 states Final Payment to contractors should be made after final inspection is made and approved.
  • INSPECTIONS SCHEDULING SDL PORTAL
    • All inspections must be scheduled through the SDL Portal
  • QUESTIONS
 
 
SPECIFICATION GUIDELINES
  • ​​Pier Footings
    • Minimum 36 inches below grade and 12 inches in diameter cut straight or use Sono Tube forms.
  • Columns
    • Minimum 4 inches X 4 inches anchored to footings and secured to girder to prevent girder rotation And deck uplift.
    • Decks greater than 8’ off ground minimum column size to be 6” X 6”.
  • Girders
    • joints in girder must be positive bearing above the support columns.
  • Floor Joists
  • NJ IRC 2018: R507.6 Deck Joists - Maximum allowable spans for wood deck joists shall be in accordance with Table R507.6. Deck joists shall be permitted to cantilever not greater than one-fourth of the joist span or the maximum cantilever length as specified in Table R507.6, whichever is less.
  • Ledger
    • Board against house securely attached with ½ inch diameter galvanized lag bolts of sufficient length to bolt firmly into rim joist a minimum of 2 ¼”. 
    • Lag bolts shall be 16” on center in a staggered pattern. 
    • Provide two bolts, one above the other, at each end. 
    • Provide galvanized washers between heads of bolts and wood. 
    • Through bolting with a washer on the outside and a washer and nut on the inside of the building, with similar bolting pattern as lag bolt is also acceptable
    • Per NJ IRC R507.2.5, alternative ledger fasteners are permitted, but must be installed according to the manufacturer’s spacing charts.
  • Decking
    • Exterior wood and plastic composite deck boards shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Flashing
    • Provide continuous corrosion-resistant flashing along ledger in such a manner as to prevent the passage of moisture into the wall, any untreated wood or wood siding.
    • Exception not required if against vinyl siding, metal siding or masonry. 
      • In this case provide shims as not to crush siding when bolts are tightened.
  • Guards
    • Walking surfaces and open sides of stairs more than 30” above grade shall have guards not less than 36” measured vertically from the stair nosing and not less than 36” above a walking surface
  • Balusters or spindles shall be constructed so a 4” sphere cannot pass.
    • Exception the triangular opening at the bottom rail of a guard and stair shall not allow the passage of a 6” sphere.
    • Guards shall be constructed to withstand a 200-pound load in any direction along the top rail.
    • Indicate the height from grade to the top of the deck.
    • Fasteners shall be approved for use with pressure treated lumber
  • Stairways
    • Minimum stairway width is 36 inches; Maximum riser height is 8 ¼ inches. 
    • Minimum tread is 9 inches.
    • A nosing not less than ¾” but not more than 1 ¼” shall be provided when solid riser is used.
    • Stairways more than 12’ above floor level or grade require a landing.
  • Handrails
    • All stairways with four or more risers require continuous handrails.
    • Handrails shall not be less than 30” or greater than 38” measured vertically from the stair nosing.
    • Handrails shall be continuous the full length of the stairs.
    • Handrails shall be returned or shall terminate to a wall or post.
    • Grip sizes shall be in accordance with 2018 International Residential Code NJ edition, Section R311.7.8.3., Type I or IILateral Bracing
    • If deck is far enough above ground to cause it to sway, diagonal bracing is to be installed between girder and posts.
  • Connectors
    • All connectors, nails, screws, bolts and related hardware shall be hot-dipped zinc coated (galvanized), stainless steel, silicon bronze, copper or other corrosion resistant materials.                       
    • When using hangers all round holes must be filled using manufacturer’s recommended fasteners.