Deck permits, plans and 3D design for Seattle-area builders
16 × 12 ft / Upper deck
12 × 10 ft / Lower deck
Footings / Sized to load
Joists / Spaced to code
3D design / Client-ready
Guards / Stairs / Pergola
Guards & stairs
Decking
Framing
Posts
Footings
Permit / Submitted for you
IP DESIGN · DECK PERMIT SET · SHEET A-1
Layer 0.0 · Plan
Every deck starts with a plan.
Permit-ready plans, blueprints and 3D design for Seattle-area deck builders and homeowners. We know the local codes so you don't have to.
In Seattle, a deck more than 18 inches above grade needs a permit; other cities set their own thresholds — in Bellevue, for example, it is 30 inches. Roof decks, decks over living space and attached decks that serve as required egress usually need one regardless of height. Even when a building permit isn't required, zoning rules such as setbacks and lot coverage still apply.
Footing layout and details drawn on the plan set for your jurisdiction's code.
The Pacific Northwest's wet climate makes proper construction and inspections critical for safety and longevity. Proper footings, connections and guards reduce failure risk in our rain-heavy climate.
Footing layout on the plan
Structural details
Jurisdiction compliance review
Footing size, depth and post attachment detailed
Layer 2.0 · Framing
Framing that passes inspection.
Permit-ready construction drawings with accurate dimensions and structural details.
Every set is ready for city review and for contractor handoff, so the crew builds exactly what the reviewer approved. The ledger connection to the house is the item reviewers check most closely, and in our wet climate its flashing matters most.
Dimensioned plan views
Structural details
Material callouts
PDF and CAD formats
Ledger connection and flashing detail
Layer 3.0 · Decking
See it before you build it.
Visualize the deck before construction.
Great for homeowners making design decisions, and for contractors presenting options to clients. Fewer surprises once the boards are down.
Realistic 3D renderings
Material visualization
Design iteration support
Contractor coordination
Layer 4.0 · Details
The details inspectors look for.
Guards, stairs, pergolas and built-ins drawn to the standard reviewers expect.
Code compliance means materials and hardware appropriate for PNW weather. Permitted work avoids red flags during home sales and inspections, and unpermitted structures can complicate or void insurance claims.
Resale value
Insurance
Code compliance
Guards 36 in. min. where the deck is over 30 in. above grade
Stairs: 7¾ in. max riser, 10 in. min tread
Layer 5.0 · Exploded
Every member, accounted for.
Structural details and material callouts for every part of the deck.
From footings to guards, each member is sized, spaced and called out on the plan set, so the reviewer and the crew read the same drawing.
Posts and footings
Beams, joists and ledger
Decking and borders
Guards and stairs
Layer 6.0 · Drawings
From model to permit set.
Permit-ready drawings with accurate dimensions and structural details.
The same model becomes the plan set: site plan, footing and framing plans, connection, guard and stair details. Ready for city review and contractor handoff.
Site plan
Footing and framing plans
Ledger, guard and stair details
PDF and CAD formats
Layer 7.0 · Permit
Approved. Build with confidence.
We prepare and submit what's needed, navigate local codes and keep you updated through the review process.
Send your project details and we reply with a price and timeline within 1 business day. Recent Bellevue and Edmonds projects were permitted in one month; timelines vary by jurisdiction and scope.
I'm Ilia, founder of IP Design. I started this company because I saw how frustrating the permit process can be for homeowners and contractors alike.
With hands-on experience navigating Seattle-area building departments, I know what each jurisdiction expects and how to get your project approved efficiently.
Every project gets my personal attention. When you work with IP Design, you're working directly with me and my small, dedicated team.
Not listed? We may still help. We work throughout the Greater Seattle area.
References
Do I need a permit for my deck?
In most cases, yes. Specific rules vary by jurisdiction; here are the general guidelines.
Quick reference
SeattlePermit required if the deck is more than 18 in. above grade.
BellevuePermit with plan review if the deck is more than 30 in. above grade.
Other citiesThresholds and exemptions vary by city — see References.
All areasRoof decks and decks over living spaces typically require permits.
Attached decksUsually require permits regardless of height if serving as required egress.
Even when a building permit isn't required, zoning rules still apply. You'll need to verify setbacks, lot coverage limits, and any environmental restrictions that may affect your project.
In Seattle, homeowners may do their own drawings and a professional stamp is rarely required; what matters is a complete, clear set. SDCI: Decks
Why permits matter
SafetyProper footings, connections, and guards reduce failure risk in our rain-heavy climate.
Resale valuePermitted work avoids red flags during home sales and inspections.
InsuranceUnpermitted structures can complicate or void insurance claims.
Code complianceEnsures materials and hardware are appropriate for PNW weather.
City & county resources
Seattle
Learn about Seattle's deck permit requirements, including height thresholds and submission process.
Photos of the existing deck or site, basic measurements, and a clear description of what you want to build or change. If you have sketches or old plans, those help too.
After you submit your project details, we review the scope, complexity, and jurisdiction requirements. Within 1 business day, we'll send you a clear quote and estimated timeline.
Scope complexity, number of revisions needed, jurisdiction-specific requirements, and whether you need just drawings or full submission support. We'll explain exactly what drives your quote.
We can do both. Some clients just need permit-ready drawings they'll submit themselves. Others want us to handle the full submission process. You choose what fits your project.
City review cycles (which vary by jurisdiction), revision rounds, and how quickly you can provide requested information. We'll give you realistic expectations upfront.
Yes. We're familiar with permit requirements across the Greater Seattle area, including Seattle, Everett, Tacoma, Bellevue, Edmonds, and surrounding cities.
Photos of the existing structure or site, any sketches you've made, existing plans (if you have them), and measurements. The more detail you provide, the more accurate our quote will be.
Minor clarifications are included. Significant scope changes may adjust the quote. We'll always discuss it with you before proceeding with revisions that affect cost.
Usually not for a typical residential deck. Seattle notes a stamp is rarely required. Some designs, such as unusual spans, heights or roof decks, may need structural calculations; we'll tell you upfront if yours does.
Typically footing, framing and final. We draw the set so each inspection has clear details to check against.
