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Decks (uncovered)

All construction work must comply with the Pennsylvania UCC, as amended.
Submit 2 complete sets of construction drawings to scale. Include a plot plan showing the location of your deck in relationship to the house, with dimensions, in feet, from the deck to each side and rear yard property lines.
Provide construction drawings to include as a minimum:
- Indicate species and grade of lumber with design live and dead loads (40 PSF live load / 10 PSF dead load).
- A plan view (looking down) of the deck showing all dimensions required to define the perimeter of the deck, and location and description of all stairways, as well as handrails. Indicate existing floor space and how the deck will be accessed. Step detail is required if more than 3 risers, and handrail detail is required if height is 30" or more above grade.
- A cross-sectional view identifying size and location of all structural members from footings and support posts, up through structure, including handrails. Provide dimensional size, and where applicable, spacing of each member.
Provide a copy of Worker’s Compensation certificate with Buckingham Township named as a certificate holder OR an exemption form with notarized signature.
The cost of the deck permit is $217.00 (zoning is $60.00, building is $150.00 plus $7.00 UCC educational surcharge). If the deck is over 30" above grade.
The Zoning fee ($60.00 is due at time of application and is non-refundable.) Checks should be made payable to "Buckingham Township." If deck is less than 30" above grade only zoning is needed.
Submit all items above with a completed Building Permit Application Form and Worker's Compensation Insurance Coverage Information Form as a "package" to the Building Department at the township building. Links to these forms are at the end of this page.

Three Required Inspections

Please note, there are three required inspections:

FOOTING - inspector will check size and depth of hole BEFORE concrete is poured.
FRAMING - inspector will check all structural attachments including bolts and framing BEFORE decking is installed.
FINAL - inspector will check handrails, guardrails, and stairs (if req’d.).

The Building Department will not be able to issue a Certificate of Occupancy until all inspections are approved.

Any questions may be directed to the Department of Permits and Inspections, Buckingham Township @ 215-794-8836.

Directions for obtaining permit forms online

The following forms may be filled in on-screen, printed out, signed and delivered to the Township building. Note: The information will remain displayed on your computer until you shut off your computer and re-start. The information is only displayed on your very own computer, it will NOT appear on anyone else's computer when they open the form from the internet. Information is stored in a temporary file within your computer's memory.

These forms are opened using Adobe Acrobat. If you do not have the Adobe Acrobat Reader program installed, you may go to the Adobe Acrobat website, and download it for free. Click on the Adobe Acrobat icon displayed on the far left, at the bottom of our Contents listing.