Porch Collapse & Deck Collapses

Porch collapses may be prevented by proper construction.  The recent porch collapse tragedy in Chicago reminds us all that injuries and death can occur as a result of porch collapse accidents and deck collapses.  The City of Milwaukee permit site for example has a porch and deck information stating:

You must submit plans for a new or replacement deck or porch before a building permit can be issued. The plans will be examined by a plan examiner to ensure they conform with the State of Wisconsin building code and the Milwaukee building and zoning codes.

Plan evaluation

Here are some of the items the plan examiner looks for when evaluating porch and deck plans:

Decks 24" or more above ground level must be equipped with guardrails as specified in the State of Wisconsin building code. Stairs leading to decks must comply with the building code.

Porches and decks in the front yard must comply with front and side setbacks for the house. Front setbacks usually are determined by measuring the adjacent property’s existing setbacks along with maximum or minimums set by the zoning code. Typically decks/stoops less than 1’ above grade in the front yard need not comply with setbacks.

Submitting plans

Walk-in service is available for the review of deck and porch plans. You may come to the Development Center between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Because we cannot predict the number of customers who will arrive for walk-in service on a given day, you may need to wait for service.

You need to bring the following materials when you apply for a building permit:

1) Two copies of a certified survey of your property OR a scale drawing or site plan that shows where the deck or porch will be located.

2) Two sets of plans for the deck or porch, drawn to scale, that show:

The size and height of the deck or porch

The type of construction (beam size and spans, size and spacing of joist, decking material, etc.)

Footing size and placement

Steps, guardrails, railings, etc.

Cost of deck or porch

Fees are based on the cost of materials and labor to build the project, excluding the cost of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, furniture, equipment, and decorating cost. The plan examination fee for review of the documents is $0.07 per square foot with a minimum fee of $25. The fee for a building permit is 1% of the cost with a minimum fee of $35.

Associated permits

If you project involves installing a new service door or patio door to access the new deck, that work must be included on your deck or porch permit. If you need to demolish an old porch, you may also be required to take out a demolition permit.

Porch collapses and deck collapses may occur due to improper maintenance, poor strength and improper construction.  Signs of porch disrepair are peeling paint, loose rails, cracked stairs, rails and decking.   A deck collapse or porch collapse may occur when a porch or deck pulls from the exterior wall or when structural parts fail.  By exercising reasonable care, however, one may prevent a porch collapse.

Hazardous property & premises liability

If you wish to know whether the firm can help with a Wisconsin personal injury or wrongful death case, please call (262) 785-0802 or send email to attorney@frankpasternak.com.  Wisconsin lawyers may only practice law in Wisconsin.  Wisconsin attorneys may however work at no added fee or expense with personal injury lawyers and wrongful death attorneys outside Wisconsin and Wisconsin lawyers may be admitted to practice on a temporary basis outside Wisconsin.   Thus, the firm may help with Wisconsin Personal Injury cases and potentially with cases outside Wisconsin.  All inquiries are free and without obligation.