Deck Building in Centennial, CO

Deck building in Centennial is handled as a city Building Division permit because decks add to the building footprint. The city classifies decks as Residential Alterations, so the work depends on a complete submittal, a site plan, easement review, and structural details where the deck attaches to the house. Our crew plans the deck from the lot inward so the location and attachment are right before framing starts.

Decks Are Reviewed as Residential Alterations

Centennial classifies decks as Residential Alterations because they add to the building footprint. That review path is 5 business days from complete submittal. The permit is not just a railing or stair check; the city needs to know where the deck sits and how it relates to the house and lot.

We prepare the deck scope before ordering framing material. Height, access, ledger attachment, stairs, and footprint all affect the plan package. A clear submittal helps the city review the deck as it will actually be built, which keeps the field crew from redesigning connections after permit comments.

The Plot Plan Controls Where the Deck Can Go

Centennial’s uncovered deck and porch guide requires a site or plot plan showing setbacks, easements, and property lines. Plot plans are available through the Arapahoe County Assessor’s website. That local step is especially important for rear-yard decks, side-yard decks, and homes where easements cross the lot.

For construction, the plot plan guides layout before holes, posts, or framing are started. We compare the planned deck footprint to property lines and easement areas before mobilizing. That prevents a deck from being framed in a location that the permit documents should have ruled out.

Recorded Easements Are Off Limits

Centennial’s guide states that deck structures are not permitted on recorded easements. That is a hard location issue, not a finish detail. If a proposed deck crosses an easement, the design has to change before the permit can move cleanly.

Our crew checks easement information while the footprint is still adjustable. Sometimes that changes the deck width, stair direction, landing location, or post layout. It is far better to make those changes on the plan than after excavation has already started.

Masonry Ledger Attachments Need a Fastener Detail

Centennial requires a fastener detail when a deck ledger attaches to a masonry wall. That affects homes where the deck ties into brick, block, or another masonry surface rather than standard framed wall construction. The connection has to be shown clearly enough for review.

Ledger attachment is one of the most important parts of the build because it transfers deck loads back to the house. When masonry is involved, our crew coordinates the attachment detail before framing. That way the approved connection, fasteners, flashing approach, and field installation all line up.

Submittals Are Digital and Must Match the Build

Centennial uses the EnerGov Self-Service Portal for building permits, and plans uploaded for review must be in PDF format. For a deck, that means the plot plan, footprint, and attachment details need to be clear before submittal. If the plan changes after review, the field work can drift away from what the city approved.

We keep the submitted deck plan tied to the actual layout. Stair orientation, landing placement, ledger condition, posts, and easement limits all need to stay consistent. That reduces surprises when the work is inspected and the city compares the built deck to the approved scope.

How We Sequence a Centennial Deck

We start by confirming the deck footprint against property lines, setbacks, and easements, then prepare the Residential Alteration submittal. If the deck ledger attaches to masonry, we include the required fastener detail. After permit approval, the work moves through layout, excavation, framing, ledger and flashing work, stair and guard components, inspections, decking, and final closeout.

Centennial deck projects are controlled by location and attachment before they are controlled by finishes. The right boards and railing do not solve a deck placed on an easement or attached without the required detail. We sequence the permit and field work so the deck location, structure, and city review stay aligned.

Common Questions

How does Centennial classify a deck permit?
Decks are treated as Residential Alterations because they add to the building footprint. Centennial reviews that permit path in 5 business days from a complete submittal.

Does Centennial require a plot plan for a deck?
Yes. The plot plan must show setbacks, easements, and property lines, and plot plans are available through the Arapahoe County Assessor’s website.

Can a deck be built on a recorded easement in Centennial?
No. Centennial’s guide states that deck structures are not permitted on recorded easements.

What if the deck ledger attaches to masonry?
Centennial requires a fastener detail when a deck ledger attaches to a masonry wall. We include that connection detail in the permit planning.

Talk to Us About Your Project

Tell us where the deck will sit, how it will attach to the house, and whether there are easements on the lot. We handle the permit process and coordinate the Centennial submittal around the deck footprint and structure.