---
title: "Deck Building In Johnston, IA | Busy Builders"
description: "Deck building in Johnston, IA. Busy Builders prepares the site plan and Deck/Pergola Application and builds in composite or treated wood."
url: "https://busybuildersiowa.com/locations/deck-building-johnston-ia/"
---

# 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.

2020

Serving Central Iowa Since​

[Get Your Free Estimate](https://busybuildersiowa.com/contact-us/)

1285+

Completed Projects​

- 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](https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/johnstoncityiowa,urbandalecityiowa/PST045224) (2025 estimate, 2020 Census, ACS 2020 to 2024); [State Data Center of Iowa](https://www.iowadatacenter.org/datatables/PlacesAll/plpopulation18502000.pdf) (1980); [Johnston Deck Requirements guideline](https://www.cityofjohnston.com/DocumentCenter/View/11405/Deck-Requirements-Revised-2023) (guard rule); [Johnston Permits and Fees](https://cityofjohnston.com/105/Permits-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](https://cityofjohnston.com/105/Permits-Fees); [Johnston building permit application](http://cityofjohnston.com/DocumentCenter/View/8723/ACCESSORY-PERMIT) (site plan rule, inspections); [Johnston Building Department](https://cityofjohnston.com/99/Building-Department); [Johnston Zoning and Subdivision Code Update](https://cityofjohnston.com/1104/Zoning-Subdivision-Code-Update); [Johnston Deck Requirements guideline](https://www.cityofjohnston.com/DocumentCenter/View/11405/Deck-Requirements-Revised-2023).

- 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

[See Our Full Deck Building Process](https://busybuildersiowa.com/deck-building/)

Our deck process

### 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.

1285+

Completed Projects​

90+

Crew and Trade Partners​

2020

Serving Central Iowa Since​

- 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.

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- Newest Blogs

## Deck Building Blogs for Johnston, Iowa

[Read More About Deck Building](https://busybuildersiowa.com/category/deck-building/)

[Oct 2, 2026By Blake Daniels ### Deck Permits in Waukee, Johnston and Clive: What Each City Requires Read More Every deck in the western suburbs needs a permit. Here is what Waukee, Johnston and Clive each ask for, how long review takes, and which inspections to expect.Every deck in the western suburbs needs a permit. Here is what Waukee, Johnston and Clive each ask for, how long review takes, and which inspections to expect.Every deck in the western suburbs needs a permit. Here is what Waukee, Johnston and Clive each ask for, how long review takes, and which inspections to expect.](https://busybuildersiowa.com/deck-permits-waukee-johnston-clive/)[Sep 23, 2026By Blake Daniels ### Screened Porch vs Four-Season Porch in Waukee, Johnston and Clive: Cost and Code Read More Screened porch versus four-season porch in Waukee, Johnston and Clive: cost, permits, footing depth and how each one lives through an Iowa winter.Screened porch versus four-season porch in Waukee, Johnston and Clive: cost, permits, footing depth and how each one lives through an Iowa winter.Screened porch versus four-season porch in Waukee, Johnston and Clive: cost, permits, footing depth and how each one lives through an Iowa winter.](https://busybuildersiowa.com/screened-porch-vs-four-season-porch-waukee-johnston-clive/)[Sep 15, 2026By Blake Daniels ### Deck Building Cost in Adel, Iowa: 2026 Guide Read More Most Adel decks run $9,000 to $34,000. Cost by material, Iowa frost line footings, and why elevation drives price more than square footage.Most Adel decks run $9,000 to $34,000. Cost by material, Iowa frost line footings, and why elevation drives price more than square footage.Most Adel decks run $9,000 to $34,000. Cost by material, Iowa frost line footings, and why elevation drives price more than square footage.](https://busybuildersiowa.com/deck-building-cost-adel-iowa-2026/)

Tagged [Johnston](https://busybuildersiowa.com/tag/johnston/)

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