San Luis Obispo County, California
Decking Code Checklist

A self-guided decking walk-through checklist for your project in San Luis Obispo County, California. Based on general model-code content — verify local amendments with your AHJ.

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What's in the checklist

Footing

✅Footing holes must be dug below the local frost line depth (min 12 inch)CRC R507.3
✅Footing diameter must be at least 10 inches for single-span decks (min 10 inch)CRC R507.3
✅Footing forms must be placed on undisturbed soilCRC R507.3
✅Concrete footing must be level within 1/4 inch across the top (max 0.25 inch)CRC R507.3

Ledger Board

✅Ledger board must be attached with 1/2" lag bolts or through-boltsCRC R507.2.1
✅Lag bolts must penetrate at least 3 inches into solid wood framing (min 3 inch)CRC R507.2.1
✅Flashing must be installed behind siding and over ledger board top edgeCRC R507.2.1
✅Gap between ledger and house wall must be sealed with caulk or flashingCRC R703.4

Beam & Joist

✅Joist hangers must be used where joists bear on beamsCRC R507.4
✅Joist spacing must not exceed 16 inches on center for standard decking (max 16 inch)CRC R507.5
✅Beam must be sized to carry the joist span per IRC span tablesCRC R507.5
✅Joist cantilever must not exceed 1/4 of the actual joist spanCRC R507.5

Guardrail

✅Guardrail height must be at least 36 inches from deck surface (min 36 inch)CRC R312.1
✅Baluster spacing must not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through (max 4 inch)CRC R312.1
✅Guardrail must resist 200 lbs concentrated load at top rail (min 200 lbs)CRC R312.1
✅Guardrail posts must be anchored to rim joist or framing with thru-boltsCRC R507.8

Stairs

✅Stair riser height must not exceed 7-3/4 inches (max 7.75 inch)CRC R311.7.5
✅Stair tread depth must be at least 10 inches (min 10 inch)CRC R311.7.5
✅Variation between tallest and shortest riser must be less than 3/8 inch (max 0.375 inch)CRC R311.7.5
✅Handrail required on at least one side if 4 or more risersCRC R311.7.8
✅Handrail height must be between 34 and 38 inches from stair nosing (34-38 inch)CRC R311.7.8

Decking Boards

✅Decking boards must be fastened with at least 2 fasteners per joist (min 2 count)CRC R507.9
✅Spacing between decking boards must be between 1/8 and 1/4 inch for drainage (0.125-0.25 inch)CRC R507.9

Connectors & Hardware

✅All structural screws and bolts must be rated for outdoor use (galvanized or stainless)CRC R507.2
✅Post-to-beam connections must use approved hardware (not just nails)CRC R507.4

General

✅Deck surface must slope at least 1/4 inch per foot away from house for drainageCRC R507.1
✅Lumber grade stamp must be visible on all structural membersCRC R502.1
✅Deck posts must be at least 4x4 for decks up to 8 ft above groundCRC R507.4
✅Deck posts over 8 ft above ground must be at least 6x6CRC R507.4

Wildfire

✅Decking in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) fire areas must use ignition-resistant materialsCRC R337
✅Deck walking surfaces in WUI areas must meet ignition-resistant construction standardsCRC R337.2

Seismic

✅Deck ledger and post connections in seismic zones must resist lateral loads per CRCCRC R301.2.2

General model-code checklist content organized by trade. Verify applicable codes, amendments, and edition with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before construction.

Frequently asked questions

Does a decking project in San Luis Obispo County need a permit?

Most decking work in San Luis Obispo County, California requires a building permit before construction. CodeCheckHQ is a self-guided walk-through to help you prepare — confirm permit requirements and local amendments with your AHJ.

What codes apply to San Luis Obispo County decking work?

CodeCheckHQ uses a general model-code checklist organized by trade — not county-specific code data. Always confirm applicable codes, amendments, and edition with your local AHJ for San Luis Obispo County, California.

How long does a decking inspection take in San Luis Obispo County?

Inspection times vary. Pre-walk the CodeCheckHQ checklist to identify and fix issues on site before your inspector arrives.

Can I use CodeCheckHQ for a San Luis Obispo County decking self-inspection?

Yes. CodeCheckHQ is a pre-inspection self-audit tool — not a replacement for the official AHJ inspection. Use it to catch issues early; official approval must come from a licensed inspector.

Walk the job site before the inspector does.

A decking walk-through checklist for San Luis Obispo County, California. Mark each item Pass, Fail, or N/A. Export a PDF record.

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San Luis Obispo County, CaliforniaDecking Code Checklist

What's in the checklist

Footing

Ledger Board

Beam & Joist

Guardrail

Stairs

Decking Boards

Connectors & Hardware

General

Wildfire

Seismic

Frequently asked questions

Does a decking project in San Luis Obispo County need a permit?

What codes apply to San Luis Obispo County decking work?

How long does a decking inspection take in San Luis Obispo County?

Can I use CodeCheckHQ for a San Luis Obispo County decking self-inspection?

Walk the job site before the inspector does.

San Luis Obispo County, CaliforniaDecking Code Checklist

What's in the checklist

Footing

Ledger Board

Beam & Joist

Guardrail

Stairs

Decking Boards

Connectors & Hardware

General

Wildfire

Seismic

Frequently asked questions

Does a decking project in San Luis Obispo County need a permit?

What codes apply to San Luis Obispo County decking work?

How long does a decking inspection take in San Luis Obispo County?

Can I use CodeCheckHQ for a San Luis Obispo County decking self-inspection?

Walk the job site before the inspector does.

San Luis Obispo County, California
Decking Code Checklist

San Luis Obispo County, California
Decking Code Checklist