When Do You Need a Permit for a Patio Cover?

 

For some of us maximizing our patio enjoyment means adding a cover to protect against sun glare and to add some needed shade. The patio cover experts, we’ve installed every type of patio cover you can think of. And depending on the situation and the specific kind of patio cover you are looking to have installed, you could be required to pull a permit before constructing the cover. Below are some different types of patio covers and what you should know in terms of permitting for these projects.

 

Retractable Awnings: An affordable and convenient way to get your patio some shade, this type of cover is great because it is –as the name suggests—retractable and so when you want more of that sun, you simply roll this baby up and voila! On a residence, you rarely need a permit for this type of patio cover. While it is a good idea to check with your town, odds are you’re good to go.

Wood/Shingled Roof: Of course there’s no better way to create permanent cover and shade than with a roof built into the house that extends over your patio. As this is an immovable structure and is essentially changing the façade of your home, you will in fact need a permit for this one.

Pergola: Perhaps not as “shade providing” but definitely attractive, a pergola is a wooden structure that is built around and over your existing patio. Because a pergola generally stands alone and does not alter the exterior of the home itself, you usually will not need a permit for this type of patio cover. Again, check with your local zoning board though.

Whatever type of patio cover you opt to have installed, Classic Home Exteriors would love to help. Our years of experience working with patio cover options as well as dealing with the town boards in terms of the permitting process can certainly make your patio project go smoothly. You’ll be enjoying that shade before you know it!