Deck Builders in Tigard, OR: Permits, Setbacks & Local Pros

Last updated October 9, 2026

Deck builders in Tigard

Tigard publishes a Residential Deck Submittal Guide for decks more than 30 inches above grade, links the American Wood Council’s prescriptive deck construction guide, and spells out how close a low deck may come to the property line. Tell us what you want built or fixed and one independent deck contractor who works in Tigard will give you a free quote.

Tigard’s deck rules

The permit line. Tigard words the state exemption this way: no building permit is required “where the floor or deck is not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade measured at any point within 3 feet horizontally of the floor or deck.” Above that, the deck needs a permit, and the City’s submittal guide sets out what to send in.

Setbacks for low decks. This is where Tigard differs most. Its permit page states:

“Unroofed porches, decks, or balconies 3 feet or less in height may project into a required rear or side setback provided the projection does not reduce the width of any setback to less than 3 feet.”

In practice, a low, uncovered deck can come closer to the side and back property lines than the house itself may, as long as 3 feet of setback is left. The word “unroofed” matters: put a roof over the same deck and the allowance no longer applies, and Tigard’s exemption for covered porches and decks requires them to stay at least 3 feet from the property lines. At the front, unroofed porches may project up to 3 feet into the required setback.

Planning still applies. “Exemption from building permits does not exempt your project from the planning requirements as set forth in Title 18 of the Tigard Municipal Code.” A deck low enough to skip the building permit still has to meet the zoning code.

Who issues the permit

The Tigard Permit Center, 13125 SW Hall Blvd., Tigard, OR 97223. Building: 503-718-2439. Planning: 503-718-2421.

Tigard homes

The median home in Tigard was built in 1988, according to the Census Bureau’s 2020-2024 American Community Survey; 61.7 percent of occupied homes are owner-occupied and 57.1 percent of homes are single-family detached houses. A deck from the late 1980s may be on its original frame, so before replacing the boards it is worth a contractor confirming the joists, posts and ledger are sound; see deck repair and replacement.

Planning a Tigard deck

Our deck permit rules compare Tigard with Portland and the other metro cities, and what a deck costs gives the most recent published Portland-area figures. If you want boards that need less upkeep, see composite deck builders. For Portland itself, see our Portland deck builders page.