City of Portsmouth, Virginia - Department of Permits & Inspections

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2009 Code Change Information

Department of Permits & Inspections
City Hall Building
801 Crawford St, 4th floor
Portsmouth, VA. 23704
(757) 393-8531
Emergency after hours assistance please call
(757) 393-5300

Deck Safety Inspections

Have questions about deck or balcony safety? Call the Department of Permits and Inspections to get answers or request a courtesy inspection at 393-8531.

We’ll be happy to inspect your deck or balcony for safety and make recommendations as needed to increase structural safety or the integrity of the guard system.

Design Information:

Exterior Residential Deck and Balcony Live Load:	40 lbs per sq. ft, live load
Commercial Deck and Balcony Live Load:	Same as occupancy served
Guard and Handrails: • Guard Infill System • Guardrail Infill Spacing	50 lbs per sq. ft, live load 4 inches max*
Guard Height: • Commercial • Single Family Residential	42 inches min. 36 inches min.
Stair Tread and Riser dimensions: • Residential	9 inches min./ 8 ¼ inches max. respectively
Stair Tread and Riser dimensions: • Commercial	11 inches min. / 7 inches max. respectively
Residential Stair tread and riser dimensions

*Guardrail infill spacing has changed over the years:

Residential prior to 1995: 6 inches
Residential prior to 1980: 9 inches
Commercial prior to 1991: 6 inches

Contact Permits and Inspections for further information or refer to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.