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Do I need a permit to build a deck?

The IRC baseline (R105.2) exempts small, low, freestanding decks (200 sq ft or less, 30 in or less above grade, not attached, not serving a required exit door). Many cities require a permit for all decks.

General pattern only. Your city's rule is what counts; pick it below.

City	Answer
Austin, TX	Depends on your project Exempt only if 200 sq ft or less, no more than 30 in above grade, not attached to the house, not used for egress, and not in a flood hazard area. Otherwise a re…
Phoenix, AZ	Depends on your project Uncovered decks and platforms not more than 30 in above grade (not over a basement/story below) are exempt; higher decks or covered decks need a permit.
Charlotte, NC	Permit required Mecklenburg County requires a building permit for decks of any size.
Columbus, OH	Permit required Building a deck requires a permit and plan review in Columbus.
Denver, CO	Depends on your project Uncovered decks of 200 sq ft or less with walking surfaces no more than 30 in above grade are exempt from a building permit. Larger, higher or covered decks nee…

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.