Do I Need Permit For Patio Cover

Financial Security May Be In Jeopardy

If your structure is built without a permit, there may be no consequence in the short term, but there are several instances that can affect your financial security by not obtaining a permit.

• If your structure is, in fact, unstable, and its failure hurts someone, you can be held personally responsible for damages and medical bills.
• Suppose you file an insurance claim for damages due to a faulty structure, and it is discovered that there was no permit obtained when it was built. In that case, your insurance company can choose not to cover any damages, holding you financially responsible.
• If your city finds your structure built without a permit, you can be ordered to tear it down or even pay back property taxes on the structure.

Do I Need To Pay School Fees For My Project

School District Development Fees are required for any construction that is 500 square feet and over excluding utility structures, i.e. garage, patio, shed, etc.

School District Development Fees are to be paid prior to the issuance of any building permits.

Contact Information for each school district:

Los Nietos School District

• Residential : $3.20/sq. ft.
• Commercial : $0.51/sq. ft.

*A copy of the building permit is required at the Fullerton Union High School District to pay the school district development fee. Verify current prices with the district office.

The School District Development Fee Forms are located at the City of Whittier Building and Safety Division. The projected square footage must be verified by the Building and Safety Division.

To determine which School District your property is located in, please contact the City of Whittier Building and Safety Division or click on the link to view the School District Map.

Using The Wrong Tools

Strong, heavy-duty tools are absolutely a must when working with concrete. Using the wrong tools results in a shoddy-looking concrete slab.

Before mixing the concrete, have these tools ready: a pressure washer, safety goggles, a large wheelbarrow, an electric concrete mixer, a bull float to flatten the surface, a magnesium float for bumps, tools to create the concrete form, a broom, a brush, an edger, a finishing trowel, gloves and buckets.

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Do You Need A Permit For A Patio Cover

You may or may not need a building permit to erect a patio cover yourself or have one built for you. It all depends on where you live.

Building permit requirements vary not just by state, but often by county, and even more typically by each municipality within a county. If two properties are on opposite corners of an intersection, and municipal boundaries run right through that intersection, its entirely possible that a property owner on one corner will need a permit while a property owner on another corner will not.

Theres no hard and fast rule on permits, but generally speaking, the more urban a setting is, the more likely it is to require a permit. Cities almost always require a permit. Nearly as likely to require a permit are incorporated boroughs, towns, villages, and townships. Dont think, however, that rural areas dont require permits they often do in an effort to control growth and maintain their rural character.

And it goes deeper in that. Where a municipality has a building code and zoning regulations, certain types of patio covers might be permitted in one neighborhood and barred in another. It all depends on whether the neighborhoods are in different land use zones.

Occasionally, and especially in planned communities or communities with homeowners associations, a deed carries restrictions on what can be done to the exterior of a house. In those cases, you may have to apply to an association board in addition to obtaining a municipal permit.

Realities Of The Permitting Process

The realities of the permitting process, when it comes to answering the question, Do I need a permit to build a patio in my backyard, is that you would need a permit for many backyard building projects, one being a patio cover.

Governments, being governments, have an array of municipal, county, and district building requirements designed to ensure that any permanent structure is up to code and safe for use and occupation.

Owing to the fact that each state and locale has differing rules and regulations regarding what they consider permittable will vary so widely as to make any blanket statement meaningless. That said however, finding the information you need for your locale is relatively easy if you have an internet connection.

Just about every county jurisdiction offers a webpage explaining the building permit process, and the application process is fairly straightforward.

As a rule, however, whether you would need a permit is determined by where you live, the size of the patio, and even the material you will be using in the patio build. You can use as your baseline of knowledge the final generalities:

As mentioned, these proscriptions will be listed on your county building website, so you will be able to plan accordingly based on what your outdoor patio vision.

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Reputation Is On The Line

If you have a structure on your property and attempt to sell your home, a building inspector will most likely find the structure if it is deemed unsafe. This discovery could damage any offers you have received your home or even hold up the sale altogether.

Any of the above situations could damage your reputation as a homeowner. The last thing you want is to have someone hurt on your property by a structure you build without obtaining a permit. This may result in your friends or family being afraid to come over and enjoy your patio cover or deck in the future.

Can A Patio Sealer Be Colored

Most clear water- and solvent-based sealers can be tinted, allowing you to add another layer of color to a decorative concrete finish. Some manufacturers offer pre-tinted sealers, while others provide tint concentrates that you can add to the sealer at the jobsite. A tinted sealer can also be used as a stand-alone, low-cost decorative finish if just a hint of color is desired. Get more advice on tinting sealers.

A pressure washer is a great way to clean your decorative concrete patio before sealing. Chutima Chaochaiya / Shutterstock.com.

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Can I Use My Garage As A Living Area

No, it is illegal and unsafe to live in any garage. Living in a garage may be dangerous due to fire hazards and carbon monoxide poisoning from gas fired appliances . You may be able to get a permit to convert a garage into a living space, as an addition to your home, however, you will be required to comply with the citys requirements for off-street parking, which includes the requirement to have a two-car enclosed garage. Contact the Planning Division for further assistance.

Building Permits For Patio Covers In Santa Clarita

Adding a patio cover structure to your house as an additional structure requires building permits, its that simple. Whether you are building a patio cover with wood, vinyl or aluminum, a building permit is necessary. Most building and safety departments provide handouts which are basic layouts for those individuals who are building patio covers which do not require any additional engineering.

These basic handouts require the homeowner or contractor to document the location of the proposed patio cover as well as any property lines, hill slopes, oak trees and so on

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To Permit Or Not To Permit: That Is The Question

With winter behind us, many are thinking about 2019 home projects. We are looking forward to re-designing or making those long overdue maintenance tasks that have been on the list. Before you get started, you will want to answer the question: to permit, or not to permit? Building permits help protect you and your investment and ensure the thoroughness, quality and life/safety provisions are in place.

Attached Or Freestanding: Different Requirements For Each

If your patio cover is attached to a house or structure, in most cases, you can often attach posts to existing concrete footings. However, if you plan to install a freestanding pergola, the code requires you to dig concrete footings to ensure stable support. You wont be able to attach your posts directly to an existing concrete slab.

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How To Find Out If A Permit Is Needed

You may be able to find permit information on the municipal website. Its probably listed under permits, building permits, or construction permits.

But theres really only one way to know for sure if you need a building permit for a patio roof, gazebo, or screen enclosure: Ask your local officials. Ultimately, its your responsibility to make sure you have a proper permit if required.

How Much Are Building Permits In Santa Clarita

The cost of each building permit varies greatly and depends on the projects cost specifically. For example, a patio cover valued at $3,000 may cost you $150 for a permit and cover which is valued at $4000 may cost you $175.

In order to obtain the exact pricing for your specific project, you will need to visit your local building and safety department and present them with your drawings, plans, layout or engineering at which time they will review the project and provide you with pricing at that time.

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How Close To Property Line Can I Build A Shed San Diego

a. No detached accessory building shall be located with walls closer than 3 feet or eaves closer than 2 feet from interior side or rear property lines. No detached accessory building authorized by Section 6156. g exceeding 1,000 square feet in area shall be located within a required setback pursuant to Section 4810.

What Will The Inspector Look At For The Final Inspection

The inspector will look to see that all work is done in conformance with the approved plans and applicable building codes. In addition, it is a state requirement that for permits over $1,000 in value requires the inspector to verify that smoke detectors/ carbon monoxide sensor are located in each area required by the California Building Code. If you need more information on smoke detectors, please contact the Building Department, or download the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Retrofit Verification Form.

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How Do I Request A Building Inspection

You may request inspections by calling the Building and Safety Division online via our Online Permits and Inspections Portal, by calling 567-9320 or by visiting our counter at City Hall.

When placing an inspection request, please have the following information available: the project address, permit number, type of inspection you are requesting, contact name and telephone number.

Inspection requests received by the Building and Safety Division before 3 p.m. will typically be scheduled for the next business day. If the requested day is full for inspections, you will be scheduled for the next available inspection date.

What You Need To Know To Get A Building Permit

Should you choose that the risks are too great when it comes to building a backyard patio, sans permit, and believe that your interests will best be served by staying on the straight and narrow, when it comes to getting the proper building permits, the process is straight forward.

As mentioned, the information you will need to bring to the building permit authority should be clearly posted on their website. Also, understand that getting a permit is more of a process than an event. In all likelihood you will need to return to the office after an official review of your plans before you can begin slapping wood together.

Plan on having the following information ready for the building inspectors perusal:

• Provide a detailed drawing of your plans, which include scale measurements of your lawn and pay particular attention to any areas that connect directly to an existing structure.
• Detailed dimensions regarding length, width, and height of the proposed deck
• Proposed joist thickness and placement.
• Guardrail height.
• Materials list
• permit fees.

Building a patio is an exciting addition to your backyard, but enjoying it stress-free for years to come means that your best bet is to do it legitimately with a legally issued building permit.

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Can I Be My Own General Contractor Or Owner/builder

Owner/builder describes a situation in which the homeowner becomes the general contractor. As an owner/builder, you assume responsibility for the overall job. Your responsibilities may include such things as state and federal taxes, workers compensation insurance and other legal liabilities.

Owner-Builder Declarations, Owner-Builder Acknowledgement These are the forms required by the State to be filled out in order to have permits issued to a property owner.

For more information on this, go to the CSLB website.

What is an Owner-Builder?

Laws and Regulations

• Business & Professions Code section 7044 has more information about owner-builders.

Owner-Builder Responsibilities

Owner-Builder Risks

Remember:

Top 10 Common Activities That Would Require A Permit

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Work That Requires A Residential Mechanical Permit

• Install or change any part of a heating or cooling system which has duct work or must be vented into any kind of chimney or vent
• Install a wood stove or fireplace insert
• Install, alter or repair gas piping between the meter and an appliance
• Install a fuel oil tank

Read more about residential mechanical permits.

Do I Need To Post My Permit On A Window

No, however, it is necessary for each inspection that the set of approved stamped plans, calculations and the original Building Permit card be available to the Building Inspector at the time of each inspection. The inspector will check the actual construction against the approved plans and sign-off on the back of the Building Permit card. A Correction Notice will be issued if anything is noted that needs further attention.

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What Will Keep Me From Getting A Deck Permit

To qualify for a permit, your plans need to prove that the construction will be safe. Permitting departments will also consider:

• Proximity to your neighbour and property lines .
• Total footprint of structures must be less than 60% of the property square footage.
• Aesthetic consistency with the neighbourhood.

How Do I Submit A Building Permit Application Form

We do not accept forms by mail, email, or fax. An applicant needs to bring in the application form to our Building Division counter during normal business hours:

The required submittal documents include:

It is highly recommended that you contact this office for complete submittal requirements depending on the scope of your project.

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Outside Home Repair Projects

• Install insulation in existing homes
• Install storm windows
• Install window awnings, not more than 54 inches deep and not in a design zone, that are supported by an exterior wall and do not project beyond the property line
• Install gutters and downspouts
• Replace or repair siding
• Replace or repair roofing, including replacement of no more than 15% of the existing roof sheathing
• Replace doors or windows if the existing openings are not widened or reduced in size
• Install swings and other play structures
• Build a fence up to seven feet high
• Pave a walkway
• Build stairs, patio, or deck that is not more than 30 inches above grade
• Build a shed or other non-habitable one-story detached accessory structure, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet and a wall height of 10 feet measured from the finished floor to the top of the top plate
• Repave driveways where expansion is not proposed
• Build a patio or porch cover not over 200 square feet and supported by an exterior building wall

Please note: If your property is in a flood hazard area, additional requirements apply. Contact Site Development to discuss your project.