Simpson AutoCAD plugin

Another note about doing your deck design, and Simpson hardware (which you will pretty much by default in most cases.)

If you do use AutoCAD for your design, don't forget to download the Simpson AutoCAD menu.  It's free, and is really useful for joist plans and footing plans.

Here is the footing detail from my own plans.  I think the detail from the post base and cap really show the strength of the design.

 

The menu is pretty straightforward.  After you download it, it will need to index overnight before you can use it.  Anyway, it makes your designs look pretty professional, and gives reviewers a good visual of what you are trying to accomplish.

San Diego Deck Permits

Well, I'm back from my first trip to the City of San Diego Development Office.  $505 dollars poorer, three hours more frustrated, and with no permit in hand.  A few quick notes on what I learned today:

1. The office keeps very short hours (10-2) on Friday
2. The actually workers are out for lunch from 12-1
3. Residences 50 years old or older require an additional historical review
4. The property line on some older houses may be out of compliance

Pretty tough day.  I've spent long hours focused on actually deck planning, slaving over AutoCAD, learning about deck building techniques... You know what?  After an entire day at the development office, no one has even looked at an actual deck plan. 

I know deck reviews will come (and probably be painful too), but the entire focus today is on our plot of land.  Our WWII box of a house has no historical significance, but they age triggers a review regardless.  It will only cost 1/2 -1 hour of their time ($75-150 of my money) but provided no value, and takes 10 days in the best case.  Painful.

In addition, our property is built up too close to the curb for modern standards.  That triggers a post review of the property.  I'll find out on Monday just how painful that will be, but I'm guessing the pain will equate back to more money.