- Screened and three-season porches
- Deck repair
Is a permit required?
Evanston's Deck/Porch Checklist for one- and two-family homes lists a building permit application as the first required submittal.
"Building Permit Application (online using Citizens Portal)"
Source: cityofevanston.org
City code requires anyone who builds or alters a structure to apply to the building official and get the required permit first.
"shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit"
Source: cityofevanston.civicweb.net
What to bring
A foundation plan to scale showing pier locations, size and depth is required.
"A foundation plan, drawn to scale with dimensions. Include pier locations, size and depth below grade."
Source: cityofevanston.org
A framing plan of the deck, stairs and guardrails drawn to scale is required.
"A framing plan of deck area, stairs and guardrails drawn to scale with dimensions."
Source: cityofevanston.org
A current plat of survey showing the proposed deck is required (uploaded).
"A copy of the Plat of Survey reflecting current conditions to include property dimensions, location of existing buildings and proposed deck/porch location with dimensions (upload)."
Source: cityofevanston.org
A signed contract showing the construction cost is uploaded with the application.
"Copy of signed contract with construction cost (upload)"
Source: cityofevanston.org
A tree preservation plan or drawing is part of the submittal.
"Include a Tree Preservation Plan / Drawing"
Source: cityofevanston.org
An Illinois licensed architect must seal the drawings for multi-story work, work supporting roof or snow loads, or jobs over $25,000.
"An Illinois Licensed Architect must prepare, sign and seal construction drawing submissions for projects that include multi-story construction, construction supporting roof/snow loads or where the construction cost exceeds $25,000."
Source: cityofevanston.org
Ordinary CAD or similar drawings are accepted for a typical single-level deck.
"CAD or similar construction drawings are acceptable for typical single level decks."
Source: cityofevanston.org
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the city's online Citizen Portal.
"An application for a building permit must be submitted through the Citizen Portal"
Source: cityofevanston.org
Projects with exterior work need a current plat of survey; only electronic plans are accepted.
"Any project that includes exterior work or an addition will also need a copy of a current Plat of Survey."
Source: cityofevanston.org
Schedule inspections by phone at (847) 448-8207, option 5, with the permit number and address.
"Call (847) 448-8207 and select option 5 to schedule an inspection."
Source: cityofevanston.org
What it costs
Building permit fees are based on the construction valuation.
"Based on Construction Valuation"
Source: cityofevanston.org
Footings and frost depth
Evanston requires deck piers to be at least 42 inches below grade.
"Include pier locations, size and depth below grade. Minimum depth below grade is 42"."
Source: cityofevanston.org
Railings and guards
The deck plans must include a guardrail and handrail detail showing installation height, baluster spacing and handrail grip size (the checklist does not state the height number; it refers to the 2021 International Residential Code).
"A guardrail and handrail detail providing installation height, baluster spacing and handrail grip size."
Source: cityofevanston.org
Inspections
A footing or pier inspection is required before concrete is poured.
"concrete footing/pier prior to pour"
Source: cityofevanston.org
A framing inspection is required before decking goes on if the framing will be hidden; if it is visible, only the final structural inspection is needed.
"prior to decking if framing will be concealed and not visible to inspector. If visible, only the final structural is required."
Source: cityofevanston.org
Other rules
Evanston's published list of permit-exempt work does not name decks; it exempts detached accessory structures of 120 sq ft or less (sheds, gazebos, playhouses).
"Detached accessory structures with a footprint at or under 120 sq. ft. (e.g., sheds, gazebos, playhouses, etc.)."
Source: cityofevanston.org
Deck stairs: maximum riser height 7 3/4 inches and minimum tread 10 inches.
"Maximum riser height 7 3/4". Minimum tread 10"."
Source: cityofevanston.org
Decks that have no roof and a permeable surface underneath, covering up to 3% of the lot, are left out of the impervious surface calculation in R1 to R3 zoning.
"Decks that are not roofed/covered with a permeable surface underneath, covering up to 3% of the zoning lot area are excluded from impervious surface coverage calculation."
Source: cityofevanston.org
Before anyone digs
Illinois law requires a call to JULIE, the state's one-call system, before digging deck footings. Call 811 or (800) 892-0123, or file online, at least 3 days before work starts. The call is free, and the locate is good for 25 days. On a hired job, the company doing the digging makes the call. More on Illinois deck rules
We are not the City of Evanston. Rules change, and some neighborhoods and HOAs have their own. Confirm with the city before you build. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
Deck builders that serve Evanston
- Composite decks
- PVC decks
- Screened and three-season porches
