This message is in reply to your message “Can deck posts sit on..” in the Breaktime forum.
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Hi Mike,

Thanks for jumping into the discussion concerning decks.

I asked this question primarily because I am helping a work camp (www.narragansettbayworkcamp2008.wordpress.com)that is scheduled to take place in NK and surrounding communties the week of 4 July 08. 400 kids from across the country will be staying at Davisville JR High. Their purpose is to complete free home repair/painting for the disabled/ederdly, and low income folks. My role is to go out to the sites that have submitted appilications and evaulate the work that is asking to be done.

We are asked to install simple decks/ repair decks, and wheelchair ramps. Also,
we do house painting . Some of the sites are in Mobile home parks and what I am finding out is that the small decks these people have are just sitting on footer blocks. The height is only about 24 – 27″ above grade.

I need to repair some of the decks so when I seek a permit I will have my ducks in a row.

My thinking is if the mobile home just sits on the ground, why can’t a small deck, 10×12 max. Most of the decks I have seen are freestanding.

Looking through my code book (year 2000 blue page 105.2), I see that small, detached structures where the floor area does not exceed 64 sq ft ( small sheds?) are exempt from permits. My thinking is that a small deck not needing a permit should be able to sit on the ground. I can’t find a section that provides guidance for height restrictions. Another thought : are mobile homes even covered by local codes?

I will be talking with the NK BI as soon as I catch him in his office. In the meantime I thought I would pose the questions to Breaktime.

Thank you for any input

Paul Casey NKHandyman