Before obtaining a permit for a deck, your local building authority inspects your designs to ensure that they meet or exceed local building requirements. Railings should be installed on any deck that is 30 inches or more above the surrounding surface, as well as on at least one side of any stairs leading to the deck. Other common sense safety measures include: using guard rails and netting to protect people from falling over the sides of the deck; and keeping children away from the edge of the deck. The city or town where you live may have additional regulations regarding decks. Before you start work on your own project, make sure you know what's required by law in Virginia. Visit Discovery Bay's legal page for information on building permits and other laws that may apply to your project. Building codes often vary between states, but there are several national organizations that publish deck standards. The National Deck Association (NDA) develops guidelines for deck construction that address issues such as load-bearing capacity, drainage, accessibility, safety, and more. NDA also provides training programs for builders who want to learn how to design and install quality decks. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) publishes an annual report on disasters at home and abroad. The report focuses on hazards related to buildings, infrastructure, and transportation systems.