Queens County, NY Permit Requirements: Deck & Patio Permits (2026)

Project Requirements for Owner: New Deck and Porch Installation — Work you can do without a permit — NYC Administrative Code Section AC 28-105.4 clarifies work exempt from permit, which does not absolve work from compliance with any other law or rules enforced by the Department. Owners are obligated to comply with requirements of other City agencies. Unless otherwise indicated, permits shall not be required for the following: Emergency work, as set forth in section AC 28-105.4.1; Minor alterations and ordinary repairs, as described in AC 28-105.4.2. [...] When you need to hire a professional and obtain a permit — Several aspects of deck and porch project work, including but not limited to earthwork, foundation work, framing, electric wiring, and the repair or replacement of interior/exterior finishes, which can only be performed by contractors with specialized licenses to perform such required work, and permits are issued to these registered trade license holders. [...] Energy Conservation Code Compliance. Any impact by the installation of a deck or porch on the existing building thermal envelope must be addressed in the general permit application. At a minimum, per NYCECC R402, the energy efficiency of the building thermal envelope cannot be decreased because of any work involved in installing the porch or deck. When you need to hire a Registered Design Professional or a General Contractor to obtain a permit — If the deck and porch project is comprised of aspects of work exceeding what is allowed above, then a Registered Design Professional must submit construction plans, for approval by the Department, prior to obtaining a work permit.