Many homeowners are surprised when they are told they need to get a permit in order to build a deck.  It may seem like kind of a hassle but it is well worth the small investment of time and money to ensure your deck is built up to code standards and is in compliance with local regulations. 

Building a deck without a permit can get you into some serious trouble. Some people find out the hard way by having to pay a hefty fine, tearing down their brand new deck, or having someone get hurt because of faulty construction.  Building a deck without a permit can also come back to haunt you when it is time to sell your house.  Contractors can lose their licenses if they build without permits. 

The best option is to work within the rules and get a permit.  In most cases the inspectors are very helpful and willing to work with you to make sure you end up with a great deck that meets all the code requirements.