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Techwood Decks · Pacifica, California

Deck Builder in Pacifica, CA

Custom decks by Techwood Decks, a licensed deck builder serving Pacifica homeowners. See a project we built in Pacifica below.

Decks in Pacifica live with fog, salt air and wind, and many yards sit on a slope. We design and build decks made for those conditions, from the first 3D drawing to the City’s final inspection.

In Pacifica we handle deck building, deck replacement, pergolas and outdoor living features such as lighting, benches and outdoor kitchens. Planning a budget? See what a deck costs in the Bay Area, with real totals from recent projects.

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or call 650-640-1668

Decks built for the coast

  • TimberTech PVC and composite boards that will not rot and never need staining
  • Framing and footings planned for hillside lots
  • Cable and aluminum railings that keep the ocean view open
  • Low-voltage deck lighting for foggy evenings

What we build in Pacifica

  • New custom decks
  • Deck replacements, which are most of our Pacifica work
  • Stairs, railings and deck lighting
  • Pergolas and outdoor kitchens

A Pacifica project

The Hillside Sanctuary

An uneven hillside yard with disconnected staircases became one level deck, flush with the house. We excavated the yard, built a retaining wall with drainage, and finished the deck in TimberTech Advanced PVC from the Vintage Collection. A stainless steel cable railing keeps the view open, and a full outdoor kitchen completes the space.

See full project details

Permit guide

Do I need a permit to build a deck in Pacifica?

In most cases, yes. The City of Pacifica exempts a deck from a building permit only when all of these are true:

  • The deck is no larger than 200 square feet
  • It is no more than 30 inches above grade at any point
  • It is not attached to the house and does not serve a required exit door
  • It keeps a 5-foot side setback

A deck that is attached to the house, raised more than 30 inches or larger than 200 square feet needs a permit. An exempt deck still has to follow the building code and the zoning rules.

Permit requirements for a deck in Pacifica

The City asks for these items with the application:

  • Plot plan showing the deck, the house, property lines, existing structures and setbacks
  • Framing details: size, material and spacing
  • Size and type of decking
  • Height above finished grade
  • Location, size and depth of the footing piers
  • How the deck attaches to the house: ledger, flashing and fasteners
  • Project valuation and deck square footage

What the City checks

  • Guardrails on decks more than 30 inches above grade, at least 42 inches high
  • Stairs at least 36 inches wide, with a handrail when there are four or more risers
  • Pressure-treated or naturally decay-resistant wood
  • Hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel fasteners and anchors
  • Footing piers inspected before the concrete is poured

How long it takes

The first plan review typically takes three to four weeks. Each resubmittal takes about two to three weeks.

Setbacks and zoning

  • Decks less than 30 inches above grade are permitted within required setbacks (Pacifica Municipal Code 9-4.2703).
  • Open porches, landings and outside stairways must stay at least 4 feet from any side lot line and may project no more than 6 feet into a front or rear setback.
  • To skip the building permit, a deck must also keep a 5-foot side setback.
  • Setbacks for taller decks depend on your zoning district. Some neighborhoods are planned developments with their own approved plan, so we confirm your parcel with the Planning Division, (650) 738-7341, before design.

Homes in the Coastal Zone

Pacifica requires a Coastal Development Permit for work in the Coastal Zone unless the project qualifies for an exemption. Exemptions do not apply on coastal bluffs, slopes of 35% or more, or landslide areas. We check your address with the Planning Division before design.

We handle it for you. Techwood Decks prepares the drawings, submits the application, schedules the City inspections and meets the inspector on site.

Sources: City of Pacifica Building Division and Planning Division. Rules can change, so we confirm the requirements for your address before we design.

How it works

01

Consultation at your home

02

3D design, so you see the deck before we build it

03

Material selection at our San Carlos showroom

04

Permit and planning

05

Construction

06

Final walkthrough and warranty

Pacifica deck FAQ

In most cases, yes. Pacifica exempts a deck only when it is no larger than 200 square feet, no more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the house, not serving a required exit door, and set back 5 feet from the side property line. Any other deck needs a building permit.

The first plan review typically takes three to four weeks. If the City asks for changes, each new review takes about two to three weeks.

Part of Pacifica is in the Coastal Zone, where a Coastal Development Permit can apply. We confirm your address with the City’s Planning Division before we start the design.

PVC and composite boards. They do not absorb moisture the way wood does, so they hold up to fog and salt air without staining or sealing.

Yes. Most of our Pacifica projects are replacements of older wood decks.

Ready to plan your deck in Pacifica?

Tell us about your yard and we will come out, measure and show you the deck in 3D.

Schedule a visit

650-640-1668 · CSLB #1104498