Thinking of adding a little outdoor living space? A new deck or patio provides a great space to entertain friends and family or just unwind. Here’s what you need to know about new deck construction in Orange County.
How Long Does New Deck Construction Take?
It depends. Like any construction project, the length of the projects depends on the complexity of the design, the availability of materials, the size of the deck, how quickly the permitting process moves, and contractor availability.
In general, allow four to six weeks from the start of the process to the finish. This may be longer if permitting is backed up or you pick materials that are not readily available.
Check out this breakdown:
- Design & planning: a few days to several weeks
- Permits & Plan Review: a few business days to up to 4 weeks
- Site prep & foundation: 1–3 days
- Framing, decking & finishing: small decks 1–2 weeks; medium 2–3 weeks; larger/complex projects 3–4 weeks or more.
What You Need to Know About Permitting New Deck Construction
Do you need a building permit for new deck construction in Orange County? Yes, you need a building permit for a residential deck in Orange County. It’s classified as a residential improvement.
Your deck contractor applies for the permit through the county’s Development Services department. The review can take up to 4 weeks. But it can’t ake more than 30 business days.
Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2234, which went into effect in 2024. This bill requires local jurisdictions to complete reviews and return comments within 30 days for most residential projects affecting fewer than 24 units.
Once issued, your new deck permit remains valid for six months and can be renewed if necessary.
Tips for New Decks in Orange County
Use these tips for a successful deck construction project.
| Tip | Why it matters |
| Work with a designer/engineer | Ensures code compliance and smoother permit approval |
| Submit complete permit applications upfront | Reduces delays from missing documents |
| Choose the right season | Off-peak seasons mean faster contractor availability & sometimes lower costs |
| Prepare your site | Clear space and parking ahead of time eases crew workflow |
Don’t skip corners on new deck construction – work with Crank Deck
Most importantly, work with a professional decking company with a long history of successful projects in Orange County.
Crank Waterproofing, Decking, and Roofing proudly boasts over 75 successful years in the decking and roofing industry in Orange County.
Contact Crank for a free quote and answers to any questions you have about deck construction in Orange County.
