Wooden decks may be erected inside the community only when a building permission has been obtained from the Building Department. Decks are buildings that must comply with municipal zoning and the New York State Building Code. The Building Official can issue a permit for minor repairs to an existing structure or you can have a contractor do it. The cost of a permit is $150-$300. Concrete decks cannot be built without a permit. The cost of a permit is $500- $1,000 or more depending on the size of the project. The requirements for a permit are similar to those for a house. The major difference is that a concrete slab requires special reinforcing to make it structurally sound. The thickness required depends on how much weight will be placed on the deck. The minimum thickness for a new deck is 3 inches, while for an existing one it can be 5/8 inch. The maximum thickness allows for proper drainage and is usually 6 inches. A wooden deck is similar to a porch. It requires a building permit if it exceeds 30 percent of the total living space in your home. The maximum height allowed for a deck is 45 feet if it is outside and not attached to a dwelling or 50 feet if it is attached. The minimum width is 60 inches if it is located outside or 75 inches if it is enclosed by walls.