Not generally, however, a zoning permit will be required. As long as the patio is at the same level as the slope that surrounds it, a building permit will not be required. In most cases, a pergola will be a standalone structure on your property. Small homeowners may want a pergola in their backyard or in the front of their property.
The owners of an apartment complex may want a pergola above the entrance of a building or on the roof terrace. Restaurants have a more exclusive atmosphere that attracts customers when there is an elegant pergola outside. You'll need permits to dine at a patio restaurant with a pergola on top. Even if the land on which a property is located is owned by the person who initiated the construction of the pergola, it must comply with local laws.
Keep in mind that there are no building codes for specific states, including but not limited to Colorado, Texas, Arizona, Alabama, and Michigan. Still, it's best to get a permit, even if the pergola is freestanding or if it's a pergola attached to your house or other building. Contact your local council and building inspector for more information. Many modern luxury pergolas can be equipped with a heating source or cover a pool or jacuzzi connected to pipes.
A permit provides a source of construction documentation under local laws and regulations. If a pergola is going to be in close contact with a heating element or a pipe, legal approval is necessary. Consider the hazards of a pergola and the risks of fire, such as placing a grill underneath. Safety is paramount when building a structure for both recreation and housing.
In addition, many restaurants offer a more attractive environment when there is a pergola to eat in an outdoor restaurant. In the case of dining establishments, structures such as a pergola or patio cover for dining in outdoor restaurants can be limited to a height of no more than 12 feet above the ground. Read on to learn more about the importance of permits, building codes, and compliance with local laws when building a pergola. In addition, the owner of a property or business may risk incurring additional costs if a pergola must be removed, reinstalled, or if it does not comply with the code.
You can usually find a checklist of people you should contact and what is needed to ensure that your construction gets a permit on their website. If the addition of a structure will radically alter a property, street, or protected historic area, a permit must be requested. If a pergola is placed independently in an open area of undeveloped grass or concrete, you may not need a permit to build. Since outdoor living becomes a must-have feature for private homes, vacation properties and luxury rentals, it's essential to have a permit before building this structure.
Getting a permit for your pergola is a form of protection for the interests of the owner of a business or property. Investing in a patio deck with a pergola, outdoor restaurants, and outdoor recreational spaces is a long-term solution to provide additional living or dining space. In addition, a permit may be required if a pergola is going to be attached to an existing structure or if it is many feet from the front of a property or entrance. Consider if additional work may need to be done on a property to be able to build a pergola with a roof with shutters.
If a pergola is located next to a building or needs some adjustment in the near future, obtaining a permit is essential. Before building a pergola, always check if you need a permit for your outdoor living project.
