Deck

Deck Permit Application Instructions

Permit Application Instructions

  • All areas of this permit packet must be completed; all forms and items required for submittal must be complete prior to application being accepted. 
  • Items required for permit submittal are identified below. 
  • Permit may be submitted via postal, drop off or email to buildingpermits@louisa.org.

Please see our Typical Deck Details guide. 

Submittal Requirements Deck

INCOMPLETE SUBMITTALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
Required forms and submittals provided by applicant or applicant’s contractor: 

  • Deed/Recordation Receipt - if the property is not listed in the applicants’ name 
  • Plat of property - must include either an engineered plan or a drawn-to-scale plan showing building location and include the following elements: 
    • Location of proposed structure(s) 
    • Dimensions of proposed structure(s) 
    • Setback measurements for proposed structure(s) - if your proposed structure appears to be within 20 feet of the minimum setbacks, a foundation survey and/or setback certification will be required. Setbacks are measured from the closest point of the structure (including any attachments) to the closest point of the property line or assumed right-of-way. 
  • Building Plans - one complete set 
    • Scaled or fully dimensioned and shall bear the name, address, and contact information of the designer
    • Plans shall be deck-specific and only contain details, specs, etc. for that specific site; no generic, non-specific plans will be accepted 
  • State Contractor’s License (or Contractor License Exemption form in lieu of License) 
    •  State Contractor’s License must include applicable trades 
  • Louisa County Business License 
    • Not required if submitting Contractor License Exemption affidavit 
    • If contractor does not have a Louisa County Business License and the total value of all jobs within Louisa County for the current year does not exceed $25,000, a business license from the contractor’s locality will be accepted; if contractor does not have business license from another locality, contractor will be required to obtain a Louisa County business license

Additional submittals that may be required: 

  • Town of Louisa or Town of Mineral Zoning Approval - if building within town limits 
  • Shrink/Swell Report – required due to the soil conditions IF DECK IS ATTACHED TO HOME AND IS IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TAX MAP NUMBERS: 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 28, 29, 30, 34, 36, 37, 38, 39, 42, 45, 46, 47, 51, 53, 54, 55, 56, 58, 61, 63, 67, 71, 72, 73, 74, 83, 84, 88, 89, 96, 97, 100 
  • Soil Bearing Report - required if the Shrink/Swell Report identifies a need for additional structural requirements or design 


Schedule of Fees Deck

Deck - Zoning Fees (non-refundable) 

  • Zoning Review Fee $25.00 

Deck - Building Fees (25% non-refundable) 

2% State Fee will apply to the following: 

  • Open Decks, Porches, Landings $.20 / sq. ft. / $125.00 minimum 
  • Covered Decks, Porches, Landings $.25 / sq. ft. / $150.00 minimum 

Deck - Additional Fees 

  • Permit Renewal $75.00
  • Working without a permit  50% of the permit fee - $250.00 minimum 
  • Re-inspection Fees: 
    • 1st Failed Inspection $30.00 
    • Additional Failed same issue $35.00 
    • Not Ready when inspector Arrives $250.00 


Download the Permit Package below.  PDF Download Icon