Permit for Deck?

We are planning to have an existing patio replaced with a deck (low profile, as it will be basically on top of patio), very similar footprint of the existing patio which is on our official map of property survey.  Curious as to any thoughts on the need to get a town permit (worth noting, we are not in MW, but neighboring town).    Worried about tax reassessment, time/hassle to get permit ect..

Hoping that because it is similar footprint to existing patio we should be ok

Appreciate any thoughts!  Thx! 

Yes you need a permit and it's in your best interest. Patios are not considered a structure whereas decks are. If the deck comes close to the property line it could violate zoning laws. A neighbor could rat you out to the building department or an inspector could be there for some other reason, and then you could have to completely tear it down.

*edited to correct inadvertent grossness

One other thought ... if the deck is not physically attached to the house I think the permitting different.

I think your best bet is to call the town building department and ask. You don't have to tell them you're building but you can say you're considering your options. 

By the way if you avoid getting a necessary permit to build a deck in order to avoid paying higher taxes in your house that could be considered tax evasion. I'm not trying to give a moral lecture but it's a risk you might be taking. 

mrincredible said:
One other thought ... if the deck is not physically attached to the house I think the permitting different.
I think your best bet is to call the town building department and ask. You don't have to tell them you're building but you can say you're considering your options. 
By the way if you avoid getting a necessary permit to build a deck in order to avoid paying higher taxes in your house that could be considered tax evasion. I'm not trying to give a moral lecture but it's a risk you might be taking. 

 Thanks!  Appreciate your thoughts and perspective

How low?  If the proposed deck will have less that three feet of clearance underneath it then stick with a patio.  Less than three feet and you could have issues with insufficient air flow leading to the deck aging prematurely from excessive moisture build up.  Wild animals taking up residence is also an issue that too low of a clearance can lead to.  

you’ll need a permit and your taxes will increase. And you’ll have added another item that needs serious maintenance and has a limited lifetime. Highly suggest a raised patio instead.

*

peteglider said:
you’ll need a permit and your taxes will increase. And you’ll have added another item that needs serious maintenance and has a limited lifetime. Highly suggest a raised patio instead.

 With the mosquitoes down on the ground at our house, a patio would never be used. Our deck is high up and wAs well worth the tax increase and maintenance 

zuluqueen said:

peteglider said:
you’ll need a permit and your taxes will increase. And you’ll have added another item that needs serious maintenance and has a limited lifetime. Highly suggest a raised patio instead.

 With the mosquitoes down on the ground at our house, a patio would never be used. Our deck is high up and wAs well worth the tax increase and maintenance 

 In the OP they said the deck will be “low profile” and describe it as basically sitting on the current patio

spontaneous said:

zuluqueen said:

peteglider said:
you’ll need a permit and your taxes will increase. And you’ll have added another item that needs serious maintenance and has a limited lifetime. Highly suggest a raised patio instead.

 With the mosquitoes down on the ground at our house, a patio would never be used. Our deck is high up and wAs well worth the tax increase and maintenance 

 In the OP they said the deck will be “low profile” and describe it as basically sitting on the current patio

 Ah, then yes! Ours was built as a mosquito respite, and is high enough that it’s a carport, too

Thx all!  Appreciate everyones thoughts