Most deck construction in NYC requires a building permit from DOB. Decks attached to buildings or elevated above grade need structural plans. The minimum DOB permit filing fee is $130. Patios at grade level that do not alter the building structure may be exempt. All outdoor structures must comply with zoning setback and lot coverage requirements.
In NYC, deck construction generally requires a building permit from the Department of Buildings. Unlike some other jurisdictions, NYC does not broadly exempt small decks from permit requirements. Attached decks and elevated decks require structural engineering drawings and may require professional certification (PE or RA). Patios at grade level (on-grade concrete or pavers without structural framing) may be exempt from building permits but must comply with zoning requirements for lot coverage and open space ratios. The permit filing fee is a minimum of $130, calculated based on construction cost. For non-electrical work not changing the Certificate of Occupancy, 100% of fees are due at filing. For work resulting in a new or amended CO, 50% is due at filing and 50% before permit issuance. Roof decks have additional requirements and typically require a special permit or variance. All decks must meet setback requirements for the applicable zoning district.
Building a deck without a required permit violates NYC Administrative Code Section 28-105.1, with penalties up to $25,000. Unpermitted decks may require removal. DOB may issue stop-work orders and vacate orders for unsafe conditions.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
New York, NY
The NYC Noise Code prohibits excessive muffler/exhaust sound from motor vehicles on roads with a 35 mph or lower speed limit - defined by 'plainly audible' d...
New York, NY
Under Admin. Code Sec. 24-235, an animal owner may not permit unreasonable animal noise that is plainly audible inside any nearby residential property for 10...
New York, NY
Under Admin. Code Sec. 24-222, construction work is unlawful except on weekdays between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Limited weekend work (Sat/Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)...
New York, NY
Under Admin. Code Sec. 24-231, music from a commercial establishment may not exceed 42 dB(A) measured inside any nearby residential dwelling unit, nor 45 dB ...
New York, NY
New York City has no blanket 'quiet hours' curfew, but the Noise Code's general prohibition (Admin. Code Sec. 24-218) makes it unlawful to make any unreasona...
New York, NY
New York City bars street storage of boat trailers, mobile homes, and mobile medical diagnostic vehicles: under 34 RCNY 4-08(m)(8) none may be parked on any ...
See how New York's deck & patio permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.