Decks, Porches, and Covers for Decks and Porches

Permits from the Planning and Building Divisions are required for all decks over 2.5 feet above the ground or decks that are covered by a roof or canopy for an area of 200 square feet or greater. The permit ensures the structure is safe, complies with setbacks, and is not harmful to utility lines, the environment, etc. If a residential deck is less than 2.5 feet above the ground and either uncovered or covered for less than 200 square feet, a building permit may not be needed and the setback requirements provided in the related documents section do not apply.

Your Oregon City Building Department is here to help you with your proposed deck, porch and patio cover projects.  We use the Oregon Residential Specialty Code to determine:  1) when a building permit is required; 2) if the work qualifies for a “prescriptive design” project (not requiring engineering) or 3) if the scope of work requires engineering.

  1. A building permit is not requiredfor the following conditions:
    1. Decks and porches whose walking surface is no higher than 30” above the adjacent finish grade measured at any point within 36” horizontally of the walking surface.
    2. Porch, deck and patio covers that are attached to the house but do not exceed 200 square feet in area and are not closer than 36” to lot lines.

Note:  decks, porches and patio covers may not project into easements, and there are limitations for extending into zoning setbacks.  Check with the Oregon City Planning Department: ocplanning@orcity.org or call 503-722-3789 for more information. 

  1. “Prescriptive” decks and patio cover projects require a building permit but are simple enough to allow homeowners to put together a building permit submittal package using the applicable tables and code sections from the Oregon Residential Specialty Code.  
  1. See the following link for the Prescriptive Deck Guide: https://www.orcity.org/DocumentCenter/View/13187/Deck-Building-Guide-New-62024
  2. See the following link for the Prescriptive Patio Cover Guide: https://www.orcity.org/DocumentCenter/View/12894/Patio-Cover-Guide-New-52024 
  1. “Engineered” deck and patio cover projects require a building permit, but due to more complex scope of work, will require the services of a structural engineer who will provide the required stamped engineering calculations and drawings.   The two Prescriptive Guides noted above describe conditions in which the scope of work will require engineering.   In addition, you can reach out to a building codes plans examiner at the Oregon City Building Department by calling 503-722-3789, emailing the Building Department at permits@orcity.org, or dropping by the Building Department during business hours, Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

For additional information on the requirements for submitting for permit, please go to this link:  https://www.orcity.org/293/Residential-Permits