Is a permit required?
Palatine says a deck is one of the projects that may require a building permit and asks owners to call the Building Department with questions.
"Less obvious projects that may require a permit include installing a swimming pool, deck and/or fence."
Source: palatine.il.us
Decks are handled as an Express permit with a village deck handout.
"For smaller residential projects such as fences, decks, sheds, driveways and other similar projects, Express permits are available."
Source: palatine.il.us
What to bring
Upload a set of complete construction details (plans, sections, elevations).
"Upload a set of complete construction details (plans/sections/elevations)"
Source: palatine.il.us
Upload a fully dimensioned plat of survey showing the proposed work with all setbacks.
"Upload a copy of fully dimensioned plat of survey showing proposed work with all setbacks"
Source: palatine.il.us
How to apply
Express permits are available only online through the Citizen Self Service Portal (https://Citizen.palatine.il.us).
"Express permits are exclusively available online at our Citizen Self Service Portal."
Source: palatine.il.us
Express permits get a 5-day plan review.
"Express permits require a 5-day plan review."
Source: palatine.il.us
The contractor must be registered and bonded with the village.
"Contractor must be registered and bonded with the Village."
Source: palatine.il.us
What it costs
The permit fee is $103 and the permit is good for 90 days.
"The permit fee is $103.00. The permit is good for 90 days from date of issuance."
Source: palatine.il.us
Footings and frost depth
Concrete piers or footings must be at least 42 inches below grade where decks attach to a frost-protected structure.
"Concrete piers/footings must be at least 42" below grade where decks are attached to a frost-protected structure."
Source: palatine.il.us
Attached decks must be on a frost protected foundation.
"Attached decks shall be installed on a frost protected foundation"
Source: palatine.il.us
Railings and guards
Decks 30 inches or higher need a continuous guard 36 inches high with baluster spacing that stops a 4-inch sphere.
"All structures that are 30" or higher, require a continuous guard, 36" high."
Source: palatine.il.us
Stairs of four or more risers need a handrail between 34 and 38 inches high.
"HANDRAILS HAVING MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM HEIGHTS OF 34 INCHES AND 38 INCHES RESPECTIVELY"
Source: palatine.il.us
How close to the property line
A deck under 16 inches above grade must be at least 2 feet from side and rear lot lines.
"A deck less than sixteen (16) inches above grade shall be situated a minimum distance of two (2) feet from all side and rear lot lines."
Source: palatine.il.us
A deck 16 inches or more above grade next to the house counts as part of the house and must meet the house setback and lot coverage rules.
"A deck sixteen inches or more above grade located adjacent to the residence is considered part of the principal structure and must meet the house setback and lot coverage requirements"
Source: palatine.il.us
Decks in a front or corner side yard must be at least 5 feet from the front and corner side lot lines.
"Decks in a front or corner side yard shall be situated a minimum distance of five (5) feet from the front and corner side lot lines."
Source: palatine.il.us
Structures may not be located in easements.
"Structures shall not be located in easements."
Source: palatine.il.us
Inspections
Pier hole inspection before pouring concrete.
"Pre pour of pier hole - pier hole inspection prior to pouring concrete"
Source: palatine.il.us
Rough framing inspection before decking, required on all decks 48 inches or less above grade.
"Rough framing inspection - (prior to decking installation) required on all decks 48" or less above grade."
Source: palatine.il.us
Final inspection when work is complete.
"Final inspection - when work is completed"
Source: palatine.il.us
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 Palatine. 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 Palatine
- Composite decks
- PVC decks
- Screened and three-season porches