Are you planning to build a patio? If so, you’re in the right place. Building a patio for your outdoor living area can sometimes be a demanding experience, but with adequate knowledge about permits, codes, and requirements it doesn’t have to be hard at all.
Stay with us, and we’ll explain everything you need to know about patio permits, how to get them and why are they so important to us after all. Let’s get started!
Patio permit – Importance and why do we need it
If you want to be sure that your patio is safe and that it complies with local building codes and zone regulations, you’ll need a permit to build a patio in your backyard.
A patio permit ensures that the construction is structurally good and that it aligns with safety and community standards.
The next most common question is how to get a building permit, so let’s tackle the process of obtaining it.
Process of obtaining a building permit for a patio
The permitting process includes project planning and a lot of research and consultation with your local building department or zoning office. It’s also a good idea to hire a licensed contractor who can help you obtain all the necessary permits so you can finish your project safely and on time.
To get your patio building permit, you will need to contact your local building department, set up an appointment, and attach the following documents:
- Site plan – You will need to provide a site plan which is a detailed drawing that shows the location of your patio concerning your property lines, existing structures, and other features on your property. It shows dimensions regarding the length, width, and height.
- Materials list – Attach a list of the materials you plan to use to ensure they comply with state regulations. You can use materials like concrete, pavers, wood, brick, etc.
- Types of footings – Specify the type of footing that you intend to use, such as concrete footings, deck blocks, etc. Include their dimensions, width, and depth, and describe the layout and spacing.
- Permit fees – When you complete your permit application that you get at your local building department, you’ll need to pay a building permit fee. A permit for a patio with, or without a deck can cost up to $600.
Depending on your project’s needs, you may need to provide additional documents. These documents can sometimes include environmental impact assessments, soil reports, property ownership proofs, or engineering reports if your project is more complex.
Now that we know everything about the process of obtaining a permit, let’s find out some more useful information concerning the building permit requirements for a patio permit.
Patio permit requirements – Building codes
Requirements for constructing patios can vary from one local department to another. Every state, county, and city has its specific codes and necessities and the most asked question is which of these should you follow. The answer is the most local one.
The most general building codes are found in state statutes and they set the bar for minimum safety standards.
Patios must be reviewed and approved for their location, size, and type of construction, and patio permit requirements include:
- Certain height
- Span chart
- Distance, depth, and diameters
- Differences in construction and materials
- Safety regulations
- Environmental considerations
If you live in an HOA community, you will also need to obtain HOA approval.
Before you start your patio construction process, be sure to check with your city’s building official for local standards for any specific building requirements so that there are no unwanted problems or work interruptions.
Now, let’s imagine you ignored all these requirements, what would happen if you started constructing without obtaining a building permit for your patio? Let’s find out in the next paragraph.
What happens if you build a patio without a permit?
Building a patio without a permit can have a negative impact on your safety and financial stability. Maybe you won’t see immediate consequences when you build without a permit, but your financial security will be jeopardized anyway.
Some of the problems may include:
- You might be responsible for paying different fines.
- There’s a chance you’ll have to tear down the whole structure and lose all the effort and cost that went into building it in the first place
- You can also be responsible for additional back taxes.
- This could weaken your bargaining position and resale value if you decide to sell your home.
Besides that, your structure can result in being unstable and someone can possibly be injured as a result of building a bad and unpermitted structure.
There is a high chance you’ll have insurance issues as well. If something happens and you file an insurance claim and it turns out that the structure was built without a permit, your insurance company can decide that it doesn’t want to cover any damages regarding it. You will be responsible and left alone to deal with the cost.
After all, we can only conclude one thing: be sure to get a permit before starting any construction. You’ll avoid all the problems with the law and at the same time save both your time and finances.
Do you need a permit for patio pavers?
Paver patios usually don’t require permits because they are not considered permanent structures. On the contrary, for more complex projects that could include electrical wiring, plumbing, and other structures, there is a big possibility that you will need a building permit.
As always, the best possible way to get all the necessary information about building the paver patio is to call your local municipality and check whether a building permit is required, to avoid unnecessary problems and save your energy and time.
Do I need a permit to enclose my patio?
If your patio covers more than 200 square feet, then you’ll need a building permit. You will also need a permit to enclose a patio that isn’t supported by an exterior wall of the pre-existing structure. Also, if you want to add a roof or permanently enclose your patio, you will have to get a permit to ensure that the space is safe for people to use.
On the other hand, renovating and enclosing a small patio that is under 200 square feet, does not require a permit, but you still have to meet all the building codes and regulations.
Requirements for permits vary by location so, as always, you need to contact your local authorities before starting any construction project on your property.
Do I need a permit for patio cover?
Like any other construction, a patio cover does require a permit. Building permits for patio covers will ensure the project complies with local building standards, local codes, and land use.
One of the benefits of patio covers is increasing your property value, as they always make improvements to the overall look and style of your backyard.
Do I need a permit for a concrete patio?
Although most constructions require permits, and it largely depends on local governments, you will be surprised to hear that building concrete patios, in most cases, does not require a permit.
The one exception where a concrete patio requires a permit is when there are excavation concerns.
The main thing that dictates whether you need a permit or not is the height. Anything less than 30 inches from the ground will mean that you don’t need a permit, but if your patio’s height is considered above grade, then you’ll likely need a proper permit.
Patio permit FAQs
Do I need a permit to extend my patio?
In many cases, you will need a permit to extend your patio, especially if the extension involves changes in size, location, or drainage.
Do I need a permit to build a patio roof?
For the most part yes, you will need a permit to build a patio roof.
Do I need a permit for a brick patio?
Generally yes, you will need a permit for a brick patio, but there are also exceptions when you will not need a permit.
Do I need a permit to screen in a patio?
The answer is yes, most homeowners will need a permit to screen in a patio.
Is the patio considered a structure?
Yes, a patio is considered a structure and it’s often categorized as an outdoor structure that can be attached to a building or free-standing. This is why you need a permit for it.
Site plans for patio building permits
Building a patio can be an exciting addition to your backyard, and obtaining a patio permit is the key to ensuring that your patio project complies with municipality building codes and regulations. In order to get a permit, you will need a site plan for permits that will make the process easier and faster. When adhering to the permitting process, you can enjoy your patio without any concerns, knowing that it has been built properly and making it a valuable addition to your house.
If you want to add any other new constructions to your backyard, such as a deck, be sure to check out everything about deck permit as well.
