The City of Gretna requires all construction to comply with the following building codes:

~     2006 International Residential Building Code

~     2008 National Electrical Code

~     City of Gretna Zoning Codes

Any size deck may be constructed as long as the deck meets the applicable property line setback requirements:

Front Yard Setback                                 25 ft. from property line
Rear Setback                                         25 ft. from property line
Side Yard Setback                                  Deck or deck stairs cannot encroach on the side yard requirements.

*In existing developed areas, the street side yard (corner lot) setback may conform to existing setbacks of existing structures along that street (15 ft.) In new developments, the street side yard setback shall be equal to the front yard setback (25 ft.).

No permanent structure may be located in a right-of-way or easement (check with Sarpy County for the location of easements). It is the homeowners responsibility to identify existing easements, location of lot lines and, if applicable, covenant restrictions.

Footings:

Before digging the footings, call Diggers Hotline 1-800-331-5666 for buried utility locations.  Footings for attached decks shall be a minimum of 42" below finished grade to ensure against frost movement and damage. 

Anchor to House:

Anchoring a deck to the house should be bolted with lag screws or bolts of sufficient length to secure the trimmers or ledger boards to the house rim beams or joists.

Type of Wood:

All wood exposed to the weather elements, directly in contact with the ground or within 18" of the ground, or in contact with concrete shall be pressure treated (PT) lumber or a naturally rot resistant wood (cedar, redwood, etc.).

Railings/Guard Rails & Stairs:

Structures less than 30” above grade are not required to have a guard rail.  However, a hand rail is required on all stairs having three or more risers.  Decks 30" or more above grade require at least on one side of the stairway, a hand rail (34" to 38" in height) and constructed so as to not have openings greater than 4” in any dimension.  Guard rails must also be constructed so as to not have openings greater than 4” in any dimension and not less than 36" in height.  For stairs, the maximum riser height shall be 7 3/4” and the minimum tread depth shall be 10”, the greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8” and the greatest tread depth within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8”.  Stairs, hand rails and guard rails must comply with the 2006 International Residential Building Code requirements.

Inspections Required:           

~    Footing Inspection - Once the holes are dug and before the concrete is poured.

~     Rough-In/Framing – Decks 36” or less from grade require a rough-in inspection prior to installing the deck boards.

~     Final Inspection - After completion of the entire deck, including railings and stairs.

Please allow a 24-hour for an inspection.  The Building Inspections Office number is 332-3336, ext 209.