Community Development
Do I need a permit to add or replace a deck or porch?
Yes. A building permit is needed to add or replace an existing deck or porch regardless of the size.
Exception: Decks or porches constructed so that no portion of the structure exceeds eighteen (18) inches in height from adjacent grade.
What do I need to submit in order to receive a permit?
> Plot plan drawn to scale that shows property lines and dimensions, existing buildings and structures, the size and location of the proposed structure, setbacks from property lines, utility easements and right-of-way.
> The location, size and depth of the piers. Note: Piers shall be a minimum of twice the diameter of the post and a minimum of 36 inches below finished grade.
> Spacing, size and type of materials used for posts, beams, joists and decking.
> The height and materials used for the handrails and guards; including the intermediate rails, balusters or ornamental pattern.
> Completed building permit application.
> Additional information may be required by the Building Official.
> Any additional information required to clarify your application. Proof of ownership (if recently purchased).
> The building permit fee is due at the time the permit is issued and is accepted in the form of a check, cash, or credit/debit card.
What are the setback requirements?
Setback minimums are:
Decks:
> Nine (9) feet from the side property lines; twenty-five (25) if corner lot.
> Twenty-five (25) feet from the rear property line.
Covered Decks:
> Must be thirty-five (35) feet from rear property line.
Porches:
> Nine (9) feet from the side property lines; twenty-five (25) if corner lot.
> May extend up to ten (10) feet from the front building line; must be setback ten (10) feet from the front property line.
Covered Porches:
> Max of sixty (60) square feet; six (6) feet deep by ten (10) feet wide.
Are there additional Requirements:
Landings for stairways: There shall be a floor or landing at the top and bottom of each stairway. The width of each landing shall not be less than the stairway. Every landing shall have a minimum dimension of thirty-six (36) inches in the direction of travel.
Stairways:
Width: Shall not be less than thirty-one and a half (31 1/2) inches in clear width when a handrail is installed on one side; twenty-seven (27) inches where handrails are provided on both sides.
Treads and Risers: The maximum riser height shall be Seven and three-quarter (7 3/4) inches and the minimum tread depth shall be ten (10) inches. The height and depth may not vary more than three-eights (3/8) inches.
Profile: A nosing not less than three-quarter (3/4) inches but no more than one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inches shall be provided on stairways with solid risers.
Handrails: Handrails having a minimum height of thirty-four (34) inches and a maximum height of thirty-eight (38) inches, measured vertically from the nosing of the treads, shall be provided on at least one side of stairways.
Guards: Decks and porches with floor surfaces more than thirty (30) inches above a floor surface or grade below shall have guards not less than thirty-six (36) inches in height. Open sides of stairs with a total rise of more than thirty (30) inches above a floor or grad below shall have guards not less than thirty-four (34) inches in height measured vertically from the nosing of the treads.
Floor Joists: Spans for floor joists shall be based upon a live load of forty (40) per square foot and a dead load of ten (10) per square foot.
An accurate hand drawing is normally acceptable. A diagram of your property can be found on the County's website at: www.claycountymo.gov in the Assessor's Department. The City does not keep surveys on file.
What Inspections are needed?
Pier/footing inspection - Inspection of the pier/footing shall be made after piers/footings have been excavated, required forms erected, required steal is in place and prior to the placing of concrete.
Framing inspection - Inspection of framing shall be made after all framing is in place and prior to being concealed.
Final inspection - Final inspection shall be made after the permitted work is completed and prior to use.
What are easements?
The City of Gladstone and the utility companies may have easements that are within your property lines. Easements are a right given to an entity to enter upon land that they do not own. Almost every home has an easement. It is important to look for easements in public records because a property owner cannot build permanent or temporary structures on top of easements.
What International Building Codes have been adopted by the City?
The City of Gladstone is currently operating under the ICC 2021 Construction Code Series and the 2020 National Electric Code. These code books are kept on file in Community Development for viewing.
How much is a building permit?
The fee for a building permit is based on the value (or cost) of the proposed structure you are building.
For Permit Fee Schedule click here.
Building a Deck or Porch Brochure
If you have further questions feel free to call our office at (816) 423-4111 or click here.