Decks and patios in Sonora require building permits under Title 15.10 when they involve structural work or elevation above grade. The Community Development Department handles plan check and inspections on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Building permits for decks and patios are required when the structure involves structural elements, is elevated significantly above grade, or exceeds size thresholds. Ground-level patios on grade may be exempt depending on materials. Decks must comply with California Building Code structural requirements and zoning setbacks under Title 17. The Community Development Department at 94 N. Washington Street processes applications. Inspections are available Tuesdays and Thursdays. Outdoor restaurant operations permits under Ordinance 868 are separate from residential deck permits.
Building a deck without a required permit is a building code violation subject to stop-work orders and retroactive permitting.
Sonora, CA
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See how Sonora's deck & patio permits rules stack up against other locations.
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