Where do I apply for a deck permit in Washington?

Apply through Department of Buildings, or call (202) 671-3500.

Do you need a permit for a deck in Washington, DC?

Yes. DOB lists porches and decks, including alterations to existing ones, as work that requires a permit.

Every deck needs a permit, including alterations to an existing deck.

An uncovered deck no more than 4 ft above grade doesn't count toward lot occupancy.

Rules last checked by a person on October 20, 2026. Guidance only; confirm with Washington before you build.

Setbacks depend on your zoning district, and a flood zone can change the permit answer. Enter your address to see both.

Permit	When it applies
Building permit	DOB lists porches and decks, including alterations to existing ones, as work that requires a permit.
Floodplain development permit	If the lot is in a FEMA special flood hazard area, all development there needs a permit.

Lot occupancy	Uncovered decks no more than 4 ft above grade don't count; the first 200 sq ft of a main-floor deck is excluded since July 10, 2026

Deck standards in RF rowhouse zones (RF-1 to RF-5)
Lot occupancy	Uncovered decks no more than 4 ft above grade don't count. Since July 2026 the first 200 sq ft of a main-floor deck doesn't count either
10-foot rule	A deck that counts as building area may not reach more than 10 ft past a neighbor's rear wall without a special exception

A raised deck that counts as building area can trip the 10-foot rule on row and semi-detached houses. Keep it 4 ft or lower, or under 200 sq ft off the main floor, to stay out of it.
Call 811 at least a few days before you dig footings or post holes. Utility locating is free.
HOA covenants and deed restrictions can be stricter than city rules. Check yours before you build.

When does a deck need a building permit in Washington?: DOB lists porches and decks, including alterations to existing ones, as work that requires a permit.
Where do I apply for a deck permit in Washington?: Apply through Department of Buildings, or call (202) 671-3500.

DC Department of Buildings, How to get a permit. Checked 2026-10-20.
Unless you are in a historic district, the following work does not require a building permit: ... Single garden storage shed that does not exceed 50 square feet (4.65 m2) in area and is less than 10 feet (3048 mm) in overall height ... Repair of existing fe…
44 CFR 59.1, definition of development (NFIP). Checked 2026-10-19.
Development means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures...
44 CFR 60.3, floodplain management criteria. Checked 2026-10-19.
Require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community...
DC Zoning Regulations, building area exclusions (11-B § 312.4, as amended by ZC Case 25-12). Checked 2026-10-20.
Uncovered porches and decks no more than 4 feet above grade at any point are excluded from building area. Since July 10, 2026 the first 200 sq ft of decks reached from the main floor, and balconies projecting up to 8 ft, are also excluded.