Completing outdoor construction projects on your home is both time-consuming and satisfying. The scale of the project will determine the amount of time and resources you will need to complete the project successfully. While these are both important to factor in, you also need to understand your neighborhood’s building codes and rules.
Permit requirements vary by state and town. Typically, a permit is not required to build a pergola on your property. However, it would be wise to seek direction from your town council before beginning the project.
Read on to learn about considerations you need to take before building a pergola.
Are Permits Necessary?
Most locations do not require you to have a building permit to build a pergola on your property. A permit is not typically needed because the structure is usually a free-standing unit that does not impact your home structure.
If you plan to build a large-scale pergola that attaches to your home, it would be wise to seek counsel. The moment you add to the original structure and alter the footprint of your home, you may be required to have a permit and building inspection for insurance purposes. It is better to do this before beginning a project.
When Might a Pergola Require a Permit?
Remember, all jurisdictions are different when permitting work with or without documentation.
If you live in an area with strict building codes, inspectors will look at some things to determine a permit requirement for your pergola:
- Size: Many areas have height and width requirements for a building. Sometimes this is for aesthetic purposes, but often it is for safety.
- Material: Different steps will need to be taken to stabilize the pergola, depending on the material it is made from.
- Anchor: If you are building a free-standing pergola, you will likely need to dig into the ground and pour concrete to secure the beams. This begins to make the project more involved and has several safety considerations that need to be made.
Most of the time, an experienced contractor will know what you need to do to obtain the proper permit to carry out your project. It is important to note that you should have all documentation before beginning any project requiring a permit.
When Do You Need Building Permits?
Perhaps you are wondering when it would be acceptable to research a building permit for outdoor projects, especially if the addition of a pergola may not require one. While all locations have different rules and expectations, it is typically safe to assume that small-scale projects don’t need a building permit.
Building a pergola would be considered a small-scale project because you aren’t necessarily making significant changes to existing structures or your outdoor area. You are simply adding a feature to your outdoor space.
Towns begin looking at permits when you make substantial changes like:
- Removing parts of your house
- Adding rooms onto your house.
- Converting non-livable space to livable space.
- Rewiring or repiping your home.
Anything that could impact the integrity of your current structure or change it drastically will likely require the use of a permit.
Who Can Determine If You Need a Permit?
When seeking out a building permit, you may be confused about where to go for guidance. Fortunately, many people can likely give you the advice and direction you need to stay within the law.
Licensed Contractor
Because these individuals make their living building and updating structures, they will be the experts when it comes to determining if a permit is necessary. Unfortunately, if you are looking to complete a DIY project, there may not be many contractors willing to divulge information to you if they know they aren’t getting paid for a job.
If you plan to hire a job out, they will likely be very forthcoming with the information and will lead you in the right direction.
Building Department
Many municipalities have a special department that focuses on building codes and permits. You can likely find this contact information at your local town hall. They will determine if you need a permit and can help you get started with the process.
Real Estate Attorney
You may be able to find out the information you need from a trusted real estate attorney or agent. Because they deal with the housing market and homes every day, they likely have a good grasp on what requires a permit and what doesn’t.
Building Inspector
A building inspector would be a great person to seek advice. They, too, have a vast knowledge of building permits and requirements. When permitted work is completed, typically, building inspectors need to ensure the job is adequate.
Final Thoughts
Pergolas are a great way to add flair and additional living space to your backyard. While they may seem simplistic structures, there are still safety guidelines that you must adhere to. Most locations will not require a building permit, but some will. Because of this, it is up to you to do your due diligence and determine if a permit is necessary before construction begins.
