Deck builder in Severance CO
Severance is a Weld County town northwest of Greeley whose post office dates to 1894, named, by a mix-up, for pioneer settler David Severance rather than the Tailholt the residents had asked for. Growth came fast in the 2010s: the population grew 142.75 percent between 2010 and 2020, to 7,683, and the Great Western Trail now runs through the middle of town along the old rail line to Windsor and Eaton.
With that much new housing, the natural Severance projects are first decks and finishing touches: a composite deck off the kitchen, deck railing along a raised walkout, or a pergola to shade a backyard where the trees are still small.
Severance design criteria and deck guide
| Criterion | Severance |
|---|---|
| Wind speed | 115 mph ultimate |
| Frost line | 30 in |
| Ground snow | 30 psf |
| Roof snow | 30 psf live, 15 psf dead |
| Floor load | 30 lb sleeping, 40 lb other |
| Soil bearing | 1,500 psf (assumed) |
| Weathering / termites | Severe / slight to moderate |
| Winter design temperature | 1 F |
| Residential code | 2024 IRC |
Source: Town of Severance, 2024 Client Design Criteria. Special requirements on the sheet: ice and water shield and under-floor protection.
Source: Severance design criteria. All the nearby offices' numbers are compared in the footing depth and snow load guide.
What the SAFEbuilt deck guide asks for
- A site plan showing the deck against setbacks, easements, utilities and property lines; an as-built survey may be needed within 12 inches of a setback.
- The house attachment: siding removed at the rim, continuous flashing with a drip edge, ledger fasteners spaced per IRC table R507.9.1.3(2).
- Guardrails, footings and a cross-section deck plan with spans and member sizes.
- Lumber #2 or better, treated ACQ or CA-B, ground-contact rated where it touches soil.
- Hot-dipped galvanized or stainless screws and nails, ring-shank nails, and stairs at least 36 inches wide.
- County health department approval first if the house is on septic.
The guide also reminds owner-builders that they become the responsible party of record on a permit, and that permits are valid for work to begin within six months. Source: Severance 2024 IRC decks guide.
