Before beginning deck construction or installation, there are steps to take to make sure your new deck will be in compliance with State and local regulations regarding land and construction.

Step 1: Determine Special Development Conditions

Before determining if a building permit is required for my project, is there any specific information I need to know from the City of Rocklin?

Yes. You should determine if there are any special development conditions for your project. Please contact the Building Division at (916) 625-5120 for general information. In some cases, you may need to contact individual divisions. In addition, you should also determine if there are any CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions) or other deed restrictions for your subdivision and/or property. You may want to contact your homeowner’s association for more information. Once you have determined the applicable conditions for your project, you will need to determine if a building permit is required for your project.

Step 2: Determine If Permit Is Required

Do I need to apply for a permit for my deck?

A building permit is required for all decks over 30 inches in height and for any height deck that is attached to a structure.

What plans and forms do I need to submit to the City of Rocklin to have a complete submittal?

The following forms are provided for your convenience. Original signatures are required to obtain a permit. Please do not fax.

• Building Permit Application 
• Project Contact Information  
• Owner Builder Verification (This form is only for owner’s who are applying for their own permits.)
• Plot Plans (3 sets) 
• Building Plans (3 sets) Note: Depending on the complexity of the structure, a California licensed architect or engineer may be required to design and verify the adequacy of the structure.
• Grading and Erosion and Sedimentation Control Statement
• Residential Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Alarms, and Water Saving Fixtures (This form is only for construction of new decks attached to the home.)
• Residential Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms (This form is only for repair of existing decks attached to the home.)

When the plans and forms are submitted, will I be required to pay a plan check deposit?

Yes, a plan check deposit is required at the time of submittal. See plan check deposit schedule below:

Plan Check Deposit Schedule

Where do I submit my permit plans and forms?

Building Division
Administration Building, 1st Floor
3970 Rocklin Road
Rocklin, CA 95677

Step 3: Project Review

After I submit, what happens next?

At the time of submittal, the project will be assigned a tracking number (plan check number) that will be used to track the progress of the plans and plan review. The plans will then be distributed by Building staff to the necessary City department for their review and comment. Upon receipt of the plans, each department will assign a staff member to the project. Each department’s staff member will perform an independent review of your project and forward their comments to the person designated on the Project Contact Information Sheet. The contact person is responsible for addressing each department’s comments and resubmitting revised plans, as needed. This step will continue until each department’s comments have been adequately addressed.

Step 4: Project Approval

After the plans are approved by all required City departments, what is the next step?

Once all reviewing departments approve the project they will notify the Building Division of their approval. At this time final fees due will be calculated and the project paperwork will be prepared for permit issuance. Once the fees are calculated and the paperwork is ready, the project contact person will be notified.

Step 5: Fees and Permit Issuance

Once I pay the fees, will my permit be issued and can I start my construction at this time?

Yes. Once your plans are approved and all permit fees are paid, the building permit will be issued. After the permit is issued, you may begin construction.

Step 6: Building Inspections

Once my permit is issued and construction begins, should I request inspections for the City of Rocklin Building Division? 

Yes. Inspections that follow the issuance of the permit are provided to ensure that work completed on your project meets current building health and safety codes and standards. To learn how to schedule an inspection, please visit our Residential Building Inspection page.

Step 7: Project Completion

Once my project passes its final inspection, is there anything else I need to do? 

No. After your final inspection, your project will be considered complete.

Related Forms, Links, & Handouts

• Requirements for Decks
• New Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements Effective January 1, 2011  
• Plot Plan Instructions and Sample
• Agency Directory
• Residential Project Fee Estimator

Please note: Every project is different and the process may vary slightly. The information provided is for general reference only.