# Grayson Deck Permits Require Footing Depth on the Plan — What Two Duplicate Sets Must Include
Grayson's permit process is no-nonsense: bring two copies of your plan, drawn to scale, showing the actual dimensions of your lot and where everything sits on it. For most projects, that's straightforward — the plan shows your property lines with dimensions, existing structures, the proposed work, and setback measurements.
For deck permits specifically, Grayson goes a step further. The plan set must include post locations (where each deck support post sits on the lot), the footing depth (Grayson requires a minimum of 12 inches below grade for frost protection), and railing details. A deck plan that shows only the top-down footprint and setbacks will come back with a request for the structural details. Get those three additional elements in the first submission.
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Does Your Grayson Project Need a Permit?
| Project | Permit Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shed under 120 sq ft | No | Gwinnett County exemption |
| Shed 120 sq ft and over | Yes | Site plan required |
| Deck | Yes | Plan with post locations, footing depth, railing details |
| Fence | Verify with dept | Depends on height and location |
| Pool | Yes | Site plan + barrier plan |
| Garage (detached) | Yes | Site plan required |
| Addition | Yes | Full site plan required |
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What a Grayson Site Plan Must Show
All Grayson site plans must be in duplicate, drawn to scale:
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Property lines | Actual dimensions of the lot on all sides |
| Existing structures | Size and location of all existing buildings |
| Proposed structure | Location and dimensions |
| Setbacks | Measured distances from proposed work to all property lines |
| Easements | Utility and drainage easements |
| North arrow | Required |
| Scale | Stated in title block |
| Title block | Address, owner, preparer, date |
For deck permits — additional required elements:
| Deck-Specific Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Post locations | Where each support post is positioned on the lot |
| Footing depth | Minimum 12 inches below grade for Grayson's frost line |
| Railing details | Railing type, height, and connection method |
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Grayson Setbacks
| Yard | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Front yard | 20 – 50 ft |
| Side yard | 5 – 10 ft |
| Rear yard | 15 – 30 ft |
| Accessory structures | 5 ft minimum from all property lines |
Verify your specific district with the Grayson Building Department before drawing setback lines.
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Project-by-Project Requirements
| Project | What to Show | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | Lot boundaries, deck footprint, post locations, 12″ footing depth, railing details, setbacks | Permit required |
| Shed (120+ sq ft) | Lot boundaries, shed footprint, setbacks from all sides | Under 120 sq ft: no permit |
| Fence | Lot boundaries, fence line, height, setbacks | Verify requirement |
| Pool | Lot boundaries, pool location, barrier dimensions, setbacks | Permit + barrier |
| Garage | Lot boundaries, garage footprint, driveway, setbacks | Permit required |
| Addition | Existing + addition footprints, setbacks | Permit required |
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How the Site Plan Creator Handles Grayson Plans
- Enter your Grayson address. Gwinnett County parcel data loads — lot boundaries and setback lines auto-generate.
- Confirm the parcel boundary. Cross-reference with your deed if anything looks off.
- Place your deck or structure. Setback lines show automatically.
- Add deck-specific annotations. Mark post locations on the plan. Add a note for the 12-inch footing depth and call out the railing specification.
- Export and print two copies. Both sets submit to the Grayson Building Department together.
See how to edit your title sheet to customize the project description.
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What This Doesn't Replace
The site plan creator generates preliminary, conceptual drawings for residential projects where Grayson allows homeowner-prepared plans. It is not a licensed land survey or sealed engineering drawing. Final permit approval is at the sole discretion of the Grayson Building Department.
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Local Resources
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Nearby Cities in Gwinnett
County overview: Gwinnett County permit site plan requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many plan sets does Grayson require?
Two complete sets, drawn to scale, showing the actual dimensions of the lot. Both sets must be full-size — no fax copies or reduced prints.
2. What footing depth does Grayson require for deck permits?
A minimum of 12 inches below grade. This is Grayson's frost line requirement. Show the footing depth explicitly on the deck plan — not just in the structural notes.
3. Does Grayson require railing details on a deck permit?
Yes. The plan must include railing type, height, and connection method. This applies to any deck that is elevated enough to require guarding under the residential building code.
4. Can I draw my own site plan in Grayson?
Yes. Homeowners can draw their own site plans for residential projects. Plans must be drawn to scale and show actual lot dimensions.
5. What is the shed exemption in Grayson?
Sheds under 120 square feet are exempt from building permits under Gwinnett County's rules. Sheds at or above 120 square feet require a permit and a site plan.
6. What should I bring when submitting a permit application to Grayson?
Two sets of plans, your completed permit application, proof of property ownership or authorization, and the permit fee.
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Generate Your Grayson Site Plan — Print Two Copies
Two sets, drawn to scale, post locations and footing depth included for deck permits. Enter your address, auto-generate Gwinnett County parcel data, annotate your deck details, and print two PDFs. First plan is free.
Need a human review before you submit?
SitePlans.us delivers a reviewed, non-certified permit-style plan in one to two business days.