[MisterJoji]

I'm building a 18x10 deck (3 feet above grade at its highest point) and it just occurred to me about getting a permit. I've already got all my joists nailed in, so taking it apart at this point would be a major hassle. My problem is I spliced my 2 2x8 beams not directly over the posts (I knew I should and I just totally brainfarted at the time like a moron). The beams are glued, nailed every 13", and has 2 carriage bolts at each beam splice. I'm worried that if I got an inspection now it would fail due to this, but I really really do not want to take this thing apart. The beam seems very very stable and secure, but I'm wondering the ramifications are if I don't get a permit. I've heard someone mention a $25,000 fine, and other stories that if my house burned down or my roof caved in, etc. that the insurance company could deny a claim due to an "unpermitted" deck. Is this at all accurate? Before the house we are currently living in (which will in all likelihood be our forever home) we looked at a house with an unpermitted covered deck/sunroom and the sellers were offering title insurance in lieu of an inspection/permit, so it seems like the city didn't care about that guys deck. Any input or advice anyone an provide would be greatly appreciated.