Deck Building in Templeton, CA

Paso Robles Landscaping designs and builds wood and composite decks for Templeton homes: raised decks off the house, low platforms around oaks, hillside stairs and landings, and the railings, lighting and planting that go with them. Templeton is unincorporated, so County Planning & Building handles building permits. A deck here often solves a slope, keeps outdoor space clear of winter mud and opens a view without pouring more concrete. Call 805-712-4440 or request a free estimate.

When a Deck Needs a County Permit

Under the County's building-code amendments (County Code 19.02.020; Ord. 3560), decks accessory to a single-family dwelling are exempt from a building permit only when all of these are true: the deck is no more than 300 square feet, it is not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, it is not attached to the dwelling, and it does not serve the dwelling's required exit door. If any of those conditions fails—especially attachment to the house or height over 30 inches—you need a building permit. We confirm what your project needs with the County at the design stage and prepare the drawings.

• Height and guards. Raised decks need code-compliant stairs, landings and guardrails. We size them for the view and for the drop.
• Attached vs freestanding. A freestanding low platform can stay under the exemption; a ledger-attached deck usually does not.
• Gas and electrical. Lighting circuits, heaters or a gas line to a fire feature on the deck need their own permits even when the deck itself is exempt.

Oaks, Clay, Septic and Slope

• Oaks. Many Templeton lots have mature valley and live oaks. We place footings and ledger connections outside major root zones where we can, and we prefer post-and-beam layouts near trunks instead of continuous footings. On rural parcels, the County's Oak Woodland Ordinance can apply when clearing is large.
• Clay and drainage. Expansive clay swells and shrinks with the seasons, so we set posts on proper footings and keep the underside ventilated and dry. Patios and decks slope away from the house.
• Septic. The deck layout has to respect the septic tank and leach field. We confirm locations before excavating footings.
• Slope. Hillside lots often need shorter retaining walls and landings under or beside the deck. Under 19.02.020, walls over 4 feet from the bottom of the footing, or walls holding a surcharge, need engineering and a permit.

Wood, Composite and Layout

• Materials. Pressure-treated framing with cedar, redwood or composite decking. Composite stays cooler underfoot and needs less yearly work; wood warms the look under oaks.
• Railings. Wood, cable or metal railings sized for the view and for code. On hillside decks we keep the top rail clear of the view line when we can.
• Shade and evenings. A pergola or patio cover over part of the deck, plus low lighting on steps and posts. Many Templeton projects add a gas fire table or pair the deck with an outdoor kitchen.

Part of a Bigger Plan

Many decks sit with a patio below, a fire feature, an outdoor kitchen or a spa. If a pool is part of the plan, we do the master design for the whole backyard and refer you to pool builders we have done whole-yard projects with. You sign a separate contract with the pool builder, and we coordinate the schedule and build everything around the pool: decks, patios, walls, lighting, kitchen and planting. See pool decks in Templeton and our Templeton hardscape page. Templeton CSD water and irrigation rules shape the planting around the deck; see the District's irrigation and landscaping page.

Cost depends on size, height, material, stairs, railings, access and any walls under the deck. We give you a written estimate after a site visit; see our deck building and Templeton landscaping pages.

Nearby Areas We Serve

From Templeton we also work in Paso Robles, Atascadero, Paso Robles wine country, Creston and Santa Margarita. See every community on our San Luis Obispo County service area page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a deck in Templeton?

Templeton is unincorporated. Under County Code 19.02.020, a deck accessory to a single-family dwelling is exempt only if it is 300 square feet or less, no more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and does not serve the required exit door. Otherwise you need a County building permit. We confirm for your project.

What deck material works well in Templeton?

Composite decking stays cooler and needs less yearly work; cedar and redwood warm the look under oaks. We frame with pressure-treated lumber either way and bring samples so you can compare.

Can you build a deck near oak trees?

Yes, with care. We place footings outside major root zones where we can and prefer post-and-beam layouts near trunks.

Can you build a deck on a hillside lot?

Yes. We often combine a raised deck with shorter retaining walls and landings, and we design stairs and railings for the slope.

How much does a deck cost in Templeton?

It depends on size, height, material, stairs, railings, access and any walls under the deck. We give a free written estimate after a site visit.

Related: Retaining walls in Templeton

Related: Deck building in Paso Robles