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Decks
All decks must meet Loudoun County Building Codes. An application is required for all decks. The only exceptions are builder option decks, purchased from and constructed by the builder. When the deck scheme includes other exterior changes, such as fencing, lights, landscaping, hot tubs, privacy screening, lattice, etc., you should refer to the appropriate sections of the Guidelines for requirements. Size & Scale Deck size should be appropriate to the scale of the house as sited on the lot. Decks must meet Loudoun County setback specifications and should not be constructed across Building Restriction Lines (BRL) shown on individual site plans (plats). Material & Color
Decks are to be constructed of wood or composite/simulated wood materials, such as “Trex®”. Samples of composite materials to be used must be submitted with the EAA. The ARB recommends that wood decks be allowed to weather naturally or be stained a natural wood color. Include a sample of the stain color with the application.
Railings
Railings must be vertical pickets with a 36” (inch) – 42” (inch) height. Support structures are to be integrated into the railing. All proposed rails must meet Loudoun County requirements for structural integrity. Samples of composite materials to be used must be submitted, as well as any brochures that will facilitate evaluation of the proposed product. Metal balusters will be allowed for single-family decks. The colors must be black, rust, or white. Other colors will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Balusters must be non reflective and of a simple vertical design. If using vinyl railings, they are to have a matte finish.
Stairs
Stairs, as well as tread and riser dimensions must meet Loudoun County Building Codes. Stairs may not protrude on common ground.
Drainage
If changes in grade or other conditions that will affect drainage are anticipated, they must be indicated on the application, with drainage areas to be shown on the site plan. Approval will be denied if adjoining properties are adversely affected by changes in drainage. Serious consideration should be given in making ground level surfaces of porous material or to provide mulched beds to offset deck or patio areas.
Also see "Maintenance Guidelines".
Application Requirements:
See below for an illustration on "rear plane". Double-Click on the picture to enlarge it.
Also see "Maintenance Guidelines" for Decks.
Elevated townhome decks that are attached to the rear of end unit townhomes must be set back a minimum of one (1) foot from the side (common) property line but may extend on the other side to the edge of the townhome foundation or to the edge of a side bay/box window. Townhome decks may not extend forward of the rear plane of the house or extend beyond the side plane of the house. All decks must meet Loudoun County Building Codes. An application is required for all decks. The only exceptions are builder option decks, purchased from and constructed by the builder. When the deck scheme includes other exterior changes, such as fencing, lights, landscaping, hot tubs, privacy screening, lattice, etc. You should refer to the appropriate sections of the Guidelines for requirements. Size & Scale Deck size should be appropriate to the scale of the house as sited on the lot. Decks must meet Loudoun County setback specifications and should not be constructed across Building Restriction Lines (BRL) shown on individual site plans (plats). Material & Color Decks are to be constructed of wood or composite/simulated wood materials, such as “TREX®”. Samples of composite materials to be used must be submitted with the application. The ARB recommends that wood decks be allowed to weather naturally or be stained a natural wood color. A sample of the stain color must be included with the application. Railings Support structures are to be integrated into the railing. All proposed rails must meet Loudoun County requirements for structural integrity. Samples of composite materials to be used must be submitted, as well as any brochures that will facilitate evaluation of the proposed product. Townhome decks must have a vertical picket railing with a rail height of thirty-six (36) inches to forty-two (42) inches. If using vinyl railings, they are to have a matte finish. No metal balusters will be allowed for townhome decks. Stairs
Stairs, as well as tread and riser dimensions must meet Loudoun County Building Codes. Stairs may not protrude on common ground. Drainage If changes in grade or other conditions that will affect drainage are anticipated, they must be indicated on the application, with drainage areas to be shown on the site plan. Approval will be denied if adjoining properties are adversely affected by changes in drainage. Serious consideration should be given in making ground level surfaces of porous material or to provide mulched beds to offset deck or patio areas. Also see "Maintenance Guidelines".
Application Requirements:
See below for an illustration on "rear plane". Double-Click on the picture to enlarge it.
Also see "Maintenance Guidelines" for Decks. |
Decks are
to be located behind the 
Decks
on interior townhomes must be set back a minimum of one (1) foot from the
side (common) property lines. Elevated townhome decks (30 inches or greater
from the ground) must be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from the rear
of the property line. Stairs and stair landings will be allowed to encroach
into yard set backs.