Deck & Permit Question (Oyster Bay: house, square footage, garden)

[Richard_LI]

Hello All,

I have a small concrete 3 step front stoop that is centered and bushes to the right 16' and left 12' that's closed in like a garden with some ugly blocks. Im looking to remove the blocks / bushes and build a pressure treated deck to the right and left of the stoop so that I can set up a couple of chairs. The total square footage of the deck would be about 112 square feet. The left side will be 12'x4' and the right will be 16'x4' with railings for both.



As per the Town of Oyster Bay Building Dep, "Any raised deck more than eight inches in height above grade" will require a permit.


So that's no problem. I plan on keeping the height less than 8" but it doesn't mention if I'm allowed to use a ledger board attached to the foundation without filing (I dont mind building it free standing if I have to). Additionally is there a limit on square footage without obtaining the permit? Obviously I want to build this deck permit free but only if I'm allowed to. From past experience, I dont like dealing or calling the town unless I absolutely have to but also dont like building against code either. If anyone has any knowledge on this, please chime in. Thanks

[jme8378]

Good question.. I’m here to inquire about similar issue.. different town.(lindenhurst village), hope that’s ok.

[MacTAC]

Originally Posted by Richard_LI

I plan on keeping the height less than 8" but it doesn't mention if I'm allowed to use a ledger board attached to the foundation without filing (I dont mind building it free standing if I have to).

Not sure about the ledger board/filing question. I was taught to not attach a deck to the house unless it was well above ground, and subsequent research agreed. Free standing is the better way to build, more work though, with the additional footings required.