Deck Building Johnston, Iowa
Johnston handles decks on a dedicated Deck/Pergola Application, and small uncovered decks pay a flat fee rather than a fee based on value. The city of about 25,065 people reviews applications through its own Building Department. This page covers what Johnston asks for before the first post hole is dug.
- Johnston at a glance
Johnston at a glance
Johnston has grown nearly tenfold since 1980, from 2,526 residents to 24,064 in 2020. Seven in ten homes are owner-occupied. Figures come from the Census Bureau, the State Data Center of Iowa and the city.
25,065
2025 Census Bureau estimate
70.8%
Owner-occupied homes
$369,100
Median owner-occupied home value
30 inches
Deck height that requires a guard
1 to 300 sq ft
Uncovered decks with flat fee
Deck/Pergola
Separate permit application
Every permit
Needs a site plan
7 working days
Minimum review time to allow
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts (2025 estimate, 2020 Census, ACS 2020 to 2024); State Data Center of Iowa (1980); Johnston Deck Requirements guideline (guard rule); Johnston Permits and Fees.
- Permits and rules
Building a deck in Johnston: permit steps the city sets
Yes, Johnston lists decks among the projects that need a permit. Uncovered decks of 1 to 300 square feet pay a flat fee, and every application needs a site plan. The city’s printed deck sheet holds the structural details, so get a copy before you design.
Which decks need a permit
Johnston’s permit list names decks and pergolas, and both go on the Deck/Pergola Application. The permits page lists no size exemption. Uncovered decks between 1 and 300 square feet carry a flat fee. Covered decks and larger ones fall under the city’s value-based fee tables instead.
The site plan Johnston wants
The application form is direct: all permits require a site plan. It must show an aerial view, a north arrow and the names of adjacent streets. Property lines need measurements. The footprint of the new deck and of every existing structure must be drawn too.
How to submit and how long review takes
The permits page names no online portal. Drop the application at City Hall, 6221 Merle Hay Road, mail it, or email BuildingDepartment@cityofjohnston.com. No confirmation within 24 hours means you should follow up another way. Allow a minimum of 7 working days for review.
Who inspects the deck
The application states that all work is subject to inspection and approval by the Johnston Building Department or its designee. The deck guideline says footing and final inspections are generally required. Ask the department at 515-727-7778 how much notice the inspector wants before each one.
Footings, ledger and guards
Johnston’s Deck Requirements guideline, revised in 2023, asks the drawings to show post footing depth from ground level. It requires a guard when the walking surface is 30 inches or more above the ground. It does not print a frost depth, so we plan footings at least 42 inches deep and confirm with the city.
Setbacks and the zoning update
Where a deck may sit comes from the zoning code, and Johnston has a code update that affects older districts. The city’s update page lists R-1(90), R-1(A) and R-1(150) for elimination and rezoning. Older yard numbers may change, so confirm your lot’s current district with Community Development first.
Sources: Johnston Permits and Fees; Johnston building permit application (site plan rule, inspections); Johnston Building Department; Johnston Zoning and Subdivision Code Update; Johnston Deck Requirements guideline.
- Our process
How Busy Builders builds your Johnston deck
We start every Johnston deck with the site plan the city requires: north arrow, street names, measured lot lines and each structure on the lot. We file the Deck/Pergola Application, track the review, and follow up if the email confirmation does not arrive within a day. Footings go at least 42 inches deep, and framing follows the city’s current deck sheet.
Busy Builders is a registered Iowa contractor, DIAL C140184, and has finished more than 1,285 projects across Central Iowa since 2020. We build decks in composite and pressure-treated wood. Any deck lighting is wired by licensed electricians we coordinate.
- Site plan drawn to Johnston's checklist
- Deck/Pergola Application filed and tracked
- Footings at least 42 inches deep
From site plan to sign-off
- Achievement
Trusted Deck Builders in Johnston
Since 2020, Busy Builders has completed more than 1,285 construction and remodeling projects across Central Iowa.
- Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Deck Building in Johnston
How much does a deck cost in Johnston?
We do not publish a deck price range, because size, height, stairs and material move the number a lot. Composite and pressure-treated wood price differently. On the permit side, an uncovered deck of 300 square feet or less pays Johnston’s flat fee. We put the full price in a written estimate after a site visit.
Is there a flat permit fee for small decks in Johnston?
Yes. Johnston charges a flat fee for non-covered decks from 1 to 300 square feet. The city does not print the dollar amount on its permits page, so ask the Building Department at 515-727-7778. Covered decks and bigger ones follow the value-based fees.
Can I email my deck application to Johnston?
Yes. The city accepts applications dropped off at City Hall, sent by mail, or emailed to BuildingDepartment@cityofjohnston.com. If you get no confirmation within 24 hours, follow up by phone or in person. Plan for at least 7 working days of review once it lands.
Does a pergola need a permit in Johnston?
Yes. Johnston lists pergolas on its permit list beside decks, and both use the same Deck/Pergola Application. Put a pergola that sits on a deck on the same drawings so the reviewer sees the whole structure. Fences, pools, hot tubs and accessory buildings also need Johnston permits.
How do I find my deck setbacks with Johnston's zoning update?
Ask Community Development which district your lot sits in today and which yard rules apply. The city’s zoning and subdivision code update would fold districts such as R-1(90), R-1(A) and R-1(150) into new ones. The city lists 515-727-7775 for questions on the update.
Do I need a separate permit for deck lighting in Johnston?
Yes, wiring counts as its own permit item. Johnston lists electrical, plumbing and mechanical work separately and uses a Trade Permit Application for them. On our decks, licensed electricians we coordinate do the wiring under that permit.
- Newest Blogs
