Five Questions From The City Exemption List
Does My Austin Deck Need A Permit
Answer five yes or no questions. A deck skips the building permit only if it passes all five tests.
The Five Tests In Plain Words
The City of Austin exemption list lets a deck skip the building permit only when all five of these are true.
200 Square Feet Or Less
A bigger deck needs a permit even if it sits low and stands on its own.
No More Than 30 Inches Above Grade
The limit applies at every point. On a sloped yard the low corner is often the one that breaks the rule.
Not Attached To The House
A deck bolted to the house is not exempt at any size.
Not An Exit From The House
If the deck is the way out of a door, it is off the exempt list, even if it is small and low.
Outside A Flood Hazard Area
Lots in a mapped flood hazard area lose the exemption.
Replacing only the deck boards is exempt. Exempt work still has to meet code.
If You Do Need One
An uncovered wood deck goes through the Pool and Uncovered Deck form on the city residential plan review page. The city lists that path at 5 business days of review.
| Line | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application processing | $112.76 |
| Inspections for standalone projects | $73.81 |
| Each one after two inspections | $28.01 |
| Reinspection when work is not ready | $83.85 |
The residential fee schedule took effect on October 1, 2026 and has no line with the word deck in it. Ask Development Services which lines your deck falls under.
Want Someone To Handle It
Most decks people want are right outside the back door, and those need a permit. A builder who pulls permits every week saves you the trips.
Deck Patio Austin builds wood and composite decks, covered patios, porches and pergolas in Austin and the towns around it.