If you’re planning to build a deck in Montgomery, Illinois, you’ll need a building permit from the Village’s Community Development Department before construction starts. Montgomery has specific rules about where your deck can go, how it must be built, and how much of your lot you can cover with structures and hardscape. This guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Where to Apply for a Deck Permit
Deck permits are handled by the Building Division within the Village of Montgomery’s Community Development Department. You can submit your application by email, through the village’s online portal, or in person at Village Hall.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office | Village of Montgomery – Community Development |
| Address | 200 N. River St., Montgomery, IL 60538 |
| Building Dept. Phone | (331) 212-9023 |
| permits@montgomeryil.org | |
| Online Portal | BS&A Online (decks, sheds, roofs, siding) |
| Website | montgomeryil.org – Permits |
| Building Dept. Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| Village Hall Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
The Chief Building Official is Mike Klupar, reachable at (331) 212-9024 or mklupar@montgomeryil.org.
What You Need to Submit
Montgomery uses a single building permit application for all residential construction types, including decks. You’ll complete the application and submit it with the following supporting documents:
- JULIE Dig Number — You must call 811 or visit illinois1call.com to request utility locating before applying. Montgomery will not process your application without this number.
- Plat of survey — With the proposed deck location marked, showing distances to all lot lines.
- Construction drawings — No freehand drawings are accepted. Plans must include pier size and depth, pier locations, floor joist size/length/spacing, beam size/length/spacing with lumber type and grade, ledger board attachment and flashing details (if attached to the house), railing details, stair details, and handrail details.
- Contractor name — Listed on the application. If you’re doing the work yourself, write “Home Owner.”
- HOA contact confirmation — If you live in a subdivision with an HOA, the village asks you to contact your association before applying.
Download the building permit application and the deck permit requirements sheet (PDF) from the village website.
Deck Building Requirements in Montgomery
Montgomery follows the 2021 International Codes (ICC) with local amendments. The village’s deck permit requirements sheet outlines these specific standards:
| Requirement | Montgomery Standard |
|---|---|
| Post Holes | Minimum 42 inches deep |
| Pier Diameter | Minimum 8 inches |
| Pier/Post Burial | Burial of pier or post in concrete is not permitted |
| Guardrails | 36-inch railings required if deck is 24 inches or higher above finished grade |
| Stairs | Required if deck is 8 inches or higher above finished grade |
| Easements | Decks may not be located in any easement |
| Drainage | Cannot block any natural drainage of the lot |
Two details worth highlighting: Montgomery does not allow burying posts or piers directly in concrete (a common shortcut that other municipalities sometimes permit). And the village requires stairs on any deck just 8 inches above grade — much lower than the guardrail threshold of 24 inches. Make sure your plans account for both.
Understanding Lot Coverage Rules
This is where many Montgomery homeowners run into unexpected complications. The village’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) sets maximum lot coverage percentages for each zoning district. Lot coverage typically includes your house footprint, garage, deck, patio, driveway, walkways, and any other structures or impervious surfaces on your property.
Your lot coverage limit depends on your specific zoning district (R-1, R-2, R-3, etc.) and may also be governed by your subdivision’s Planned Unit Development (PUD) agreement if you live in a newer community. The key points to understand:
- A new deck adds directly to your lot coverage calculation. A 300-square-foot deck on a lot that’s already near the limit could push you over.
- If your proposed deck exceeds the maximum lot coverage for your zoning district, you’ll need to either reduce the deck size or apply for a variance through the Planning & Zoning Commission — a process that takes significantly longer.
- Montgomery’s UDO is the definitive source for your district’s specific lot coverage percentage, setbacks, and yard requirements. You can download the full UDO (PDF) or contact Planning & Zoning at (331) 212-9022 to ask about your property.
When you’re weighing deck size against lot coverage limits, the material you choose for your deck surface won’t change the coverage calculation — but smart design decisions like multi-level layouts or angled corners can help you make the most of the square footage you have available.
Setback Requirements
Setbacks determine how close your deck can be to your property lines. In Montgomery, the specific setbacks depend on your zoning district and, in many cases, on the terms of your subdivision’s PUD agreement.
Because Montgomery spans portions of both Kane and Kendall counties and includes numerous planned developments — each with their own negotiated bulk standards — there is no single set of “standard” residential setbacks that applies to every home. Your setbacks may differ from your neighbor’s even within the same subdivision if lots are shaped differently.
To find your property’s setbacks, you can:
- Check the village’s zoning page and use the interactive zoning map to identify your district.
- Look up the bulk regulations for your district in the Unified Development Ordinance.
- Call Planning & Zoning at (331) 212-9022 or email tfarruggia@montgomeryil.org — the senior planner can confirm your setbacks and lot coverage limits before you invest in detailed drawings.
This step is free and can save you significant time and money. Do it before you finalize your deck design.
Contractor Licensing
Montgomery requires that all construction be performed by a contractor licensed to work in the village. This is different from some neighboring communities that have dropped licensing requirements. Before you sign a contract with a deck builder, check with the village to confirm their license is current.
Contractors need to submit a Contractor Registration Application along with a Certificate of Insurance naming the Village of Montgomery as the certificate holder. Additional documentation may be required depending on the trade.
If you’re considering different decking surface materials and want to know how they’ll perform through hot Illinois summers, it’s worth looking into boards engineered to stay cooler underfoot — your licensed contractor can confirm compatibility with Montgomery’s structural requirements.
Permit Fees
Montgomery calculates building permit fees based on your project’s estimated construction cost (labor and materials). The village publishes a fee schedule on their website. For a typical residential deck, expect fees in the range of $55 to $125 depending on project valuation, though your exact fee will be calculated when your application is processed.
You can pay at Village Hall in person (cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card — $2 fee for credit card) or online. The village does not accept permit payments over the phone.
Review Time and Inspections
Montgomery asks applicants to allow up to one week for review of basic accessory permit applications like decks. Over-the-counter permits are no longer available due to increased volume — all permits are now processed within 3 to 5 business days.
Deck permits in Montgomery require two inspections:
- Post hole inspection — After holes are dug but before concrete is poured. The inspector verifies depth (42″ minimum) and diameter (8″ minimum).
- Final inspection — After all construction is complete, including decking surface, railings, stairs, and hardware.
Boulder Hill Residents: A Special Note
If you live in the Boulder Hill area, your permits are not handled by the Village of Montgomery. Boulder Hill falls under Kendall County jurisdiction. Contact the Kendall County Building Department at (630) 553-4141 for permit information.
Tips for Getting Your Permit Approved Quickly
- Get your JULIE number first. Montgomery will not even begin reviewing your application without it. Call 811 or go to illinois1call.com at least 48 hours before submitting.
- Confirm your zoning district and setbacks early. A quick call to Planning & Zoning at (331) 212-9022 can prevent design changes later.
- Calculate lot coverage before designing. Add up your existing structures and impervious surfaces, then see how much room you have left for a deck.
- No freehand drawings. Montgomery specifically states that hand-drawn plans are not accepted. Use scaled drawings — your contractor should be able to provide these.
- Contact your HOA. The village’s deck requirements sheet reminds applicants to check with their HOA before applying. Don’t skip this step.
- Use the online portal for speed. The BS&A Online portal accepts deck permit submissions and can be faster than email, though there’s a $3 service fee.
Quick-Reference: Montgomery Deck Permit Checklist
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm your zoning district, setbacks, and lot coverage limit |
| 2 | Call 811 for your JULIE Dig Number (required before application) |
| 3 | Contact your HOA for any architectural restrictions (if applicable) |
| 4 | Prepare plat of survey, scaled construction drawings, and contractor info |
| 5 | Submit via email (permits@montgomeryil.org), BS&A Online, or in person |
| 6 | Allow 3–5 business days for review |
| 7 | Pay permit fee at Village Hall or online |
| 8 | Pass post hole and final inspections |
Ready to Build Your Deck in Montgomery?
Platinum Decking works with homeowners across Montgomery and the Fox Valley to design and build decks that meet local code requirements. Call us at (224) 634-4345 or visit platinumdecking.com to get started.