Deck Permits in Lower Swatara Township
TL;DR: Deck Permits in Lower Swatara Township
- Permit Required: You need a permit for uncovered decks 30 inches or more above grade, any covered decks (regardless of height), or any structural alterations. If your uncovered deck is less than 30 inches above grade, a permit is not required.
- Required Documents: Prepare a Plot Plan, Footing Details (36 inches below grade minimum), Post and Beam Details, Joist and Beam Specifications, and Guardrail/Handrail Requirements (guardrails 36 inches high if over 30 inches above grade).
- Application & Fees: Submit your application through the Lower Swatara Township Codes Department. Fees include a $50 flat Application Fee, a Plan Review Fee (for projects over $25,000), and Inspection Fees ($4 or $8 per $1,000 of the contract price).
- Timeline & Inspections: The review process typically takes two to three weeks. Do not start building until approval is received. You must schedule two inspections: a Foundation Inspection (before concrete gets poured) and a Final Inspection (after completion).
- Avoid Delays: Common issues that delay approval include incomplete applications, non-compliance with zoning (e.g., setbacks), improper footing/post design, and failure to schedule the required inspections promptly.
A deck can transform your backyard into a personal retreat, providing the perfect spot for dining, relaxation, and entertaining. The night is young and cool. Outdoor furniture? Check. TV? Tuned in to the Eagles game. Grill? Sizzling with burgers and dogs. Having a deck is pretty much the most fun thing you’ll ever add to your home.
But before you get too excited about building that deck, it’s essential to understand the process for obtaining a deck permit in Lower Swatara Township. That’s right, you need a permit. Just because it’s your property, it doesn’t mean that you get to do what you want. Permits are there to ensure you and anyone on your deck gets to enjoy it safely.
Keystone Custom Decks understands the frustration of dealing with bureaucratic paperwork. That’s why we’ve written this guide to help you understand the process. This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the requirements to ensure that your deck is built legally and safely.
Following is everything you need to know about getting a permit to build a deck in Lower Swatara, located in the heart of Dauphin County.
Ready? You’re one step closer to enjoying the outdoors!
Are You In the Right Jurisdiction?
Hold up! Before you start filling in permit applications, make sure you’re in the right jurisdiction. Swatara is split up into Lower Swatara Township (the subject of this blog) and Swatara Township. If you’re southeast of Harrisburg, near Middletown, close to Harrisburg International Airport, along the Susquehanna River, you’re in Lower Swatara Township. Read on.
However, if you’re south of Harrisburg, near Rutherford or Lawnton, you’re in Swatara Township, and that’s a different permit office.
Determine if You Need a Deck Permit
Generally, you’ll need a permit to do any work that adds new structural elements, changes the building's footprint, or alters major, permanent systems—but it also varies widely from municipality to municipality. In Lower Swatara Township, not all projects require a permit. However, if your deck meets certain conditions, you will need one. The following decks require a permit:
- Uncovered decks that are 30 inches or more above grade. This ensures the deck's structural integrity and safety.
- Covered decks, regardless of height, need a permit because they are considered a more complex structure that could affect your home’s foundation, load-bearing walls, and roof.
- Structural alterations to your home or any additions, including decks, also require permits.
If your deck is uncovered and less than 30 inches above grade, a permit is not required. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the Township to ensure compliance.
Gather the Required Documents
Once you’ve confirmed that you need a permit, the next step is to gather all the documents required for submission. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Plot Plan: A diagram of your property showing the location of the deck. It must include measurements of the deck’s size and distance from property lines, buildings, and any other relevant features. A sample permit plot plan is on Page 5 of the permit application package.
- Footing Details: Decks require footings to ensure stability. The Township mandates that footings be a minimum of 36 inches below grade. You will need to provide dimensions of the footings and indicate whether you plan to use engineered designs or follow the Township’s prescribed method.
- Post and Beam Details: You’ll need to submit the size of posts and how they will be attached to the footing. For example, if you’re using a 6x6 post, it must be clear how it is connected to the footing and beam.
- Joist and Beam Specifications: Provide the size and spacing of joists, how they will be attached to the beam, and the type of fasteners you plan to use. This ensures the deck is structurally sound and able to bear weight properly.
- Guardrail and Handrail Requirements: If your deck is above 30 inches, you will need guardrails to prevent falls. Guardrails should be 36 inches high and meet specific spacing requirements for safety. Handrails are also required on decks with stairs and must be continuous and capable of withstanding 200 pounds of side force.
You can look at the requirements in more detail on the Lower Swatara Township deck specification handout.
Lower Swatara recently adopted the 2021 International Residential Code, effective January 1, 2026. However, decks aren’t mentioned in the adoption document, which should be in Section R507. The provision on decks isn’t discussed in the exclusion list, but neither is the provision in the modified list.
Why does it matter? It matters because the most significant change in the 2021 edition is the addition of provisions to address increased loads on decks, such as live loads (people, furniture, hot tubs) and snow loads. As a result, we’d recommend checking with the county to see when they will start implementing the new deck codes so you can plan accordingly.
Complete the Permit Application
After gathering your documents, the next step is to fill out the permit application. This is typically done through the Lower Swatara Township Codes Department. You will need to provide the following:
- Property Address: The exact location where the deck will be built.
- Type of Work: Mark that it is for a deck construction project.
- Estimated Cost: Provide an estimate of the cost for the materials and labor involved. This will help determine the permit fee.
- Zoning District: Make sure your deck complies with zoning regulations. The Township may have setbacks or other restrictions that apply to where you can build your deck.
Submit the Application and Pay Fees
Once the application is complete, it’s time to submit it to the Township. There are some fees associated with the permit:
- Application Fee: A flat $50 feeapplies to all deck applications.
- Plan Review Fee: If your project’s estimated value exceeds $25,000, an additional fee of $4 per $1,000 of the contract price will apply for plan review.
- Inspection Fees: Fees apply for inspections after the deck is built. For decks with a contract price over $25,000, the inspection fee is $4 per $1,000 of the contract price. For smaller projects, the fee is $8 per $1,000 of the contract price.
It’ll take some time, so to avoid delays, please ensure all required fees are paid.
Wait for Permit Approval
After submitting your application, the Township will review your plans to ensure they meet all code requirements and zoning laws. The review process usually takes two to three weeks, assuming the permitting office has no concerns with your application (this is where completing the application carefully and ensuring everything they need is included pays off). If your plans meet the requirements, your permit will be approved, and you’ll receive the green light to start building.
If the Township requires additional information or documents, it will contact you. It might be frustrating, but remember that they’re just trying to do their jobs. Be sure to respond quickly to keep the process moving smoothly.
What do you do while waiting? Relax! It’s out of your hands for now. Think about adding accessories and decorations to your deck. Plan for some mouth-watering delights on your grill. Or maybe “winter is coming” is your favorite phrase, so you want to plan for ice and snow. What you don’t want to do is to start building before the township responds with an approval. That leads to all kinds of issues that will delay your paperwork and deck, as well as land you on the wrong side of the fence with the planning office.
Schedule Inspections
Once construction begins, you will need to schedule two inspections:
- Foundation Inspection: This inspection ensures that the footings and foundation are correctly installed and meet code requirements before any framing work is done. The inspection must be done before concrete is poured. Failure to schedule this inspection may require repouring the concrete.
- Final Inspection: After your deck is completed, the final inspection will verify that the structure meets all building and safety codes.
Be sure to schedule these inspections promptly, as the Township may not sign off on the deck until they’ve been completed.
Worried that your deck might not pass inspection? If you’ve built exactly to plan according to code, you should be fine. Here are some tips on passing inspection.
Enjoy Your New Deck!
Once your deck passes inspection, it’s ready for use! Whether it’s a quiet evening under the stars or a weekend barbecue with friends and family, your deck will enhance your outdoor living space and increase your home’s value.
Common Issues That May Delay Your Permit
Remember, you can only enjoy your deck if you’ve dotted all the i’s and crossed the t’s to make it to this point. Here are a few common gotchas:
- Incomplete Application: Missing required documents or details can slow down the approval. Double-check everything before submission.
- Non-compliance with Zoning: If your deck doesn’t meet zoning regulations (e.g., setbacks from property lines), the Township may not approve your permit.
- Improper Footing or Post Design: Incorrect sizing or installation of footings and posts can delay your approval. Be sure to follow the Township’s detailed specifications.
- Failure to schedule Inspections: Because certain phases of your build cannot proceed without having your progress inspected and signed off on.
Keystone Custom Decks: Your Deck Building Partner
Can you build that deck yourself? It’ll take a lot of time, planning, manpower, days, weekends, and even a couple of nights to build that deck. Can it be done? Absolutely. Or you could save yourself the headache and hire a professional.
At Keystone Custom Decks, we do it all. With over 40 years of experience, we’ve worked hard to earn our reputation as the premium designer for outdoor living. We handle every step of the deck-building process, from design to permit application and final inspections. Our team is experienced in navigating Lower Swatara Township’s requirements, ensuring that your deck project runs smoothly from start to finish.
Ready to get started on your dream deck building in Dauphin County? Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!