Anne Arundel County Deck Guidelines

Anne Arundel County Deck Guidelines: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Dreaming of a new deck to enhance your Anne Arundel County home? Before you break ground, understanding the local regulations is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential Anne Arundel County deck guidelines, ensuring your project proceeds smoothly and avoids costly setbacks. We'll cover everything from permits and setbacks to materials and inspections, equipping you with the knowledge to build your dream outdoor space legally and safely.

Understanding Anne Arundel County's Building Codes

Anne Arundel County, like many jurisdictions, has specific building codes designed to ensure the safety and structural integrity of all structures, including decks. These codes aren't arbitrary; they are in place to protect you, your family, and your neighbors. Ignorance of these regulations can lead to fines, delays, and even demolition orders. This guide helps you navigate this process effectively.

#### Key Considerations Before Starting Your Deck Project

Before you even think about hammering a nail, consider these crucial aspects:

Property Lines and Setbacks: Understanding your property lines and adhering to the required setbacks from property lines, easements, and other structures is paramount. These setbacks are usually specified in your property deed and local zoning regulations. Incorrect measurements can result in immediate permit rejection.
Zoning Regulations: Check the Anne Arundel County zoning regulations specific to your property. Certain zoning districts may have restrictions on deck size, height, materials, and even design aesthetics.
HOA Regulations (If Applicable): If you live in a community with a homeowners association (HOA), ensure your deck plans comply with their guidelines. These often have stricter rules than the county codes. Ignoring HOA rules can lead to significant fines and legal battles.

Navigating the Permitting Process

Obtaining the necessary permits is a non-negotiable step in building a deck in Anne Arundel County. Failing to do so can result in serious penalties.

#### Steps to Obtain a Deck Permit:

1. Submit Detailed Plans: Prepare detailed plans including dimensions, materials, structural details, and a site plan showing the deck's location relative to your house and property lines. Professional design is highly recommended for complex projects.
2. Application Submission: Submit your application and plans to the Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits. This usually involves completing relevant forms and paying the associated fees.
3. Review and Approval: The county will review your application and plans. They may require revisions or clarifications before granting a permit. Be prepared for a potential waiting period.
4. Inspection Schedule: Once your permit is approved, you will need to schedule inspections at various stages of construction, typically before the foundation is poured, during framing, and upon completion.
5. Permit Expiration: Be aware that permits typically expire after a certain period if construction isn't completed. You may need to request an extension if necessary.

Deck Construction Guidelines: Materials and Specifications

Anne Arundel County’s building codes specify requirements for deck materials and construction techniques to guarantee safety and durability. These requirements usually address:

Foundation: The type of foundation required will depend on factors like soil conditions and deck size. Common foundation types include concrete footings, piers, and pressure-treated wood posts.
Framing: The framing must meet specific strength and spacing requirements to support the deck's weight and withstand various weather conditions. Pressure-treated lumber is often required for ground contact.
Decking Material: While various materials are allowed, they must meet specific standards for durability and resistance to decay.
Railings and Handrails: Railings and handrails are critical safety features and must meet specific height and spacing requirements to prevent falls.


#### Choosing a Qualified Contractor

Selecting a reputable contractor familiar with Anne Arundel County's building codes is vital. A qualified contractor will handle the permit process, ensure compliance with all regulations, and provide quality workmanship. Always request references and check their licensing and insurance.

Post-Construction: Inspections and Final Approval

After completing your deck construction, you must schedule a final inspection with Anne Arundel County's Department of Inspections and Permits. This final inspection verifies compliance with all approved plans and building codes. Upon successful completion of the inspection, you'll receive your certificate of occupancy, officially allowing you to use your new deck.

Conclusion

Building a deck in Anne Arundel County requires careful planning and adherence to the county's guidelines. By understanding the permitting process, construction requirements, and the importance of working with a qualified contractor, you can ensure a smooth and successful project that enhances your home and avoids potential legal issues. Remember, always consult the most up-to-date regulations from the official Anne Arundel County website before starting your project.

FAQs

1. Where can I find the most up-to-date Anne Arundel County deck guidelines? The official Anne Arundel County website is the best source for the latest building codes and regulations. Look for their Department of Inspections and Permits section.

2. Do I need a permit for all deck sizes in Anne Arundel County? Generally, yes. Even smaller decks typically require a permit. Check with the county for specific size limitations that might exempt very small structures.

3. What happens if I build a deck without a permit? You could face significant fines, be forced to remove the deck, and potentially incur legal penalties.

4. Can I use any type of wood for my deck? While various materials are acceptable, the county specifies requirements for durability and decay resistance. Pressure-treated lumber is often required for ground contact. Check the specific code for allowed materials.

5. How long does the permit process usually take? The processing time can vary, but allowing ample time for plan review and scheduling inspections is crucial. Contact the Department of Inspections and Permits for an estimated timeframe.


  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Builders' Weekly Guide , 1963
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Explorer's Guide Baltimore, Annapolis & The Chesapeake Bay: A Great Destination (Explorer's Great Destinations) Allison Blake, 2011-09-09 The definitive book on the Chesapeake Bay, with a new focus on Baltimore, Annapolis, and Maryland's portion of the Bay area! Once again, travel writer and longtime maryland resident Allison Blake surveys the Chesapeake Bay area and its distinctive lodgings, aquatic adventures, and tucked-away towns. In Explorer's Guide Baltimore, Annapolis & The Chesapeake Bay: A Great Destination, the new version of her well-loved guidebook The Chesapeake Bay Book, Blake has also thoroughly explored from Baltimore (the colorful old port city that anchors the northern end of the Bay), to Maryland's 300-year old capital, Annapolis (known as America's Sailing Capital), south to the Potomac River and the Eastern Shore and onto the Virginia border. This is Maryland's Chesapeake Bay plus iconic Tangier Island, located in Virginia. This expansive guide will give visitors and residents alike all the information they need to fully explore and enjoy the thousands of miles of shoreline, the towns and cities, and the adjoining countryside of this lovely and historically significant area. Whether you're interested in urban or outdoors adventures, oysters in a chic bistro of famous Maryland blue crabs on a paper-covered picnic table, pursuits like hiking, biking, boating, museum-hopping, or relaxing on a beach, Maryland's Chesapeake Bay has everything you're looking for. As in every Explorer's Great Destinations title, you’ll find helpful information for lodging, dining, shopping, transportation, recreational activities, and special events. The focused and very helpful If Time Is Short advice, historical notes, and many maps and photographs make this an indispensable guide. Use it to help you discover all the Chesapeake region has to offer. Includes: history, lodging, dining, culture, recreation, shopping, transportation and more! Previous editions of this guide were published under the title The Chesapeake Bay Book.
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Explorer's Guide Maryland (Fourth Edition) (Explorer's Complete) Leonard M. Adkins, 2013-07-01 Maryland offers an abundance of natural and cultural riches, so make this guidebook your compass to it all. Limitless exploration and entertainment opportunities await travelers and residents alike, and this thoroughly revised edition of Explorer’s Guide Maryland is the perfect companion for every excursion. The best restaurants, places to stay, and activities for every budget and interest are laid out in an easy-to-navigate guide as useful on the bookshelf as it is in the glove compartment. Descriptions and listings cover the whole state, including the quiet Eastern Shore; picturesque, historic Annapolis; the heart of downtown Baltimore; the many historical sites dotting the southern region; and the scenic northwestern mountains.
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Explorer's Guide Maryland (Third Edition) (Explorer's Complete) Leonard M. Adkins, 2011-11-28 “Adkins’s insightful assessments are right on the mark . . . The historical references and insider’s tips made me want to pack my luggage immediately.”—Connie Yingling, Maryland Office of Tourism Development Maryland offers an abundance of natural and cultural riches. Limitless exploration and entertainment opportunities await travelers and residents alike, and this thoroughly revised edition of Explorer’s Guide Maryland is the perfect companion for every excursion. The best restaurants, places to stay, and activities for every budget and interest are laid out in an easy-to-navigate guide as useful on the bookshelf as it is in the glove compartment. Descriptions and listings cover the whole state, including the quiet Eastern Shore; picturesque, historic Annapolis; the heart of downtown Baltimore; the many historical sites dotting the southern region; and the scenic northwestern mountains. Detailed maps and a “What’s Where” subject guide will aid in travel planning. Author Leonard Adkins spent months traveling to research hundreds of inns, B&Bs, vacation cottages, museums, historic sites, special shops, fishing areas, and much more. Want to know where to find the quintessential crab feast? The finest five-star restaurant? All the Maryland reviews and recommendations you’ll ever need are right here. Features include: hundreds of dining and lodging reviews, from soft-shell crabs to four-star cuisine; opinionated listings of inns, B&Bs, hotels, and vacation cottages; up-to-date regional and downtown maps; an alphabetical what's where guide for trip planning; handy icons pointing out places that offer best value, cater to families, welcome pets, and provide handicapped access; calendar guides to annual events and celebrations.
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: 2012 Camp Directors' Trip Guide , Camp Directors' Trip Guide is the only guide that helps camp directors, counselors and recreational center directors plan day, overnight and travel trips for campers.
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Insiders' Guide® to Baltimore Judy Colbert, 2010-05-18 Insiders' Guide to Baltimore is the essential source for in-depth travel and relocation information to the Maryland's largest city. Written by a local (and true insider), this guide offers a personal and practical perspective of Baltimore and its surrounding environs.
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Baltimore Region Transportation Improvement Program , 2001
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Bullinger's Postal and Shippers Guide for the United States and Canada and Newfoundland , 1963
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Country Home , 2003
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Bibliographic Guide to Maps and Atlases , 1990
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Leahy's Hotel-motel Guide and Travel Atlas of the United States, Canada and Mexico , 1979
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Ethical Standards in the Public Sector Patricia E. Salkin, 1999 This is a timely collection of essays, articles, and research that provides a solid overview of many of the complexities of public sector ethics.
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Bullinger's Postal & Shippers Guide for the United States & Canada , 1960
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: NWQMC National Monitoring Conference 2000, April 25-27, 2000, Austin, Texas , 2000
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Monthly Catalogue, United States Public Documents , 1980
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Annapolis, City on the Severn Jane W. McWilliams, 2011-06-15 As unique as the city it describes, Annapolis, City on the Severn builds on the most recent scholarship and offers readers a fascinating portrait into the past of this great city.
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Catalogue of Publications Issued by the Government of the United States United States. Superintendent of Documents, 1980-07 February issue includes Appendix entitled Directory of United States Government periodicals and subscription publications; September issue includes List of depository libraries; June and December issues include semiannual index
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Bibliographic Guide to Business and Economics New York Public Library. Research Libraries, 1976
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Baltimore Harbor Anchorages and Channels Feasibility Study, Port of Baltimore, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County , 1997
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Maryland Register , 2006
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: The Annotated Code of the Public General Laws of Maryland Maryland, 1925
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Congressional Record United States. Congress, 1970 The Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress. It is published daily when Congress is in session. The Congressional Record began publication in 1873. Debates for sessions prior to 1873 are recorded in The Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States (1789-1824), the Register of Debates in Congress (1824-1837), and the Congressional Globe (1833-1873)
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Maryland Register State Contract Supplement , 1987
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: The National Geographic Magazine , 1954 Indexes kept up to date with supplements.
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Congressional Record United States. Congress, 1975
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: District of Columbia Appropriations United States. Congress. House. Committee on Appropriations, 1986
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: The Annotated Code of the Public Civil Laws of Maryland Maryland, 1912
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Municipal Journal, Public Works Engineer and Contractors' Guide , 1929
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Second Decennial Edition of the American Digest , 1918
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: The Washington Post Index , 1999
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Mid-Atlantic Country , 1996
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Maryland Reports Maryland. Court of Appeals, 2011
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Laws of the State of Maryland Maryland, 1951 Includes extraordinary and special sessions.
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Old-House Journal , 2004-07 Old-House Journal is the original magazine devoted to restoring and preserving old houses. For more than 35 years, our mission has been to help old-house owners repair, restore, update, and decorate buildings of every age and architectural style. Each issue explores hands-on restoration techniques, practical architectural guidelines, historical overviews, and homeowner stories--all in a trusted, authoritative voice.
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Final Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Management Plan , 1990
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Engineering News-record , 1977-10
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Dishing Up® Maryland Lucie Snodgrass, 2010-05-18 From the Chesapeake to the Alleghenies, Maryland offers a rich diversity of native foods and traditions. Lucy L. Snodgrass’s compilation of 150 delicious recipes from the Old Line State’s most celebrated chefs will have you feasting on Corn and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Mint Dressing, Smith Island Cake, and — of course — crab cooked every which way. This fun guide includes profiles of local food producers and mouthwatering photographs that will inspire you to cook up a taste of Maryland, wherever you live.
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: American Hospital Association Guide to the Health Care Field American Hospital Association, 1984
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: District of Columbia Appropriations United States. Congress. House. Committee on Appropriations, 1987
  anne arundel county deck guidelines: Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan , 1990
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