Building a Free Standing Deck Footing Question

by Thomas
(Rockville, Md, Montgomery County )

The problem I have is that my proposed deck spans from my basement french doors that has a 4 step walk up. I would like to build a free standing deck.

Can I just rest or anchor one of my posts to the concrete slab or do I need to tear that up and put what the code requires 24 deep footing?

It is just one post and I do not really want to attach it to my house. Would this be a problem with Montgomery county, MD code?

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Sep 21, 2012
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See this section of the IRC
by: Editor-Rich Bergman

Not being from MD I can't speak with any authority on your question but I can point you to a relevant section in the IRC for footings.

Section R 403.1.4.1 exception 3 specifically allows free standing structures below a certain square footage to be supported by footings which do not have to comply with frost requirements.

So at first glance this may permit what you propose. But really I can't say for sure because you should check with your local building department. And refer them to that section of the IRC.

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