Deck permit requirements vary by city and county, and most residential decks must meet local building code requirements.

In many areas, you will need a building permit for a deck if it:
     -Is attached to your home and is more than 40 inches above grade.
     -Exceeds a certain square footage.
     -Includes stairs, railings, or a roof structure.

Some jurisdictions provide deck permit exemptions for small, freestanding or low-profile decks under a certain size. However, permit rules differ depending on your local building department. Even when using deck blocks instead of concrete footings, your deck must still meet structural and safety requirements set by your local building inspector.

If you live in a wildfire-prone area, coastal zone, or high-wind region, additional deck-building code requirements may apply. Because deck permit requirements vary nationwide, always contact your local building department before starting your project to confirm permit and inspection requirements.

TuffBlocks have been engineered for structures up to 36" above ground. Having said this, many people have built structures higher than this using the composite foundation method (TuffBlocks in combination with concrete-in-ground footings). We recommend that you consult with a qualified builder or engineer regarding your project.

Yes, you can use TuffBlocks in high wind areas (Cyclones, Hurricanes, Storms etc), but we recommend checking in with your local building authority first. Some users choose to use earth anchors to help secure their structure, while others opt for an intermediary solution by combining TuffBlocks with in-ground concrete footings for additional stability.