There’s just one small problem.
You have no idea if you need to get a permit to add a patio enclosure to your home. Do you need a permit for a patio enclosure?
While the step of getting a permit won’t necessarily slow your project down if you do need one, it’s important to get a permit taken care of at the start of your planning to ensure you’re not held up once you’re ready to go.
It’s also important to know about the implications of skipping the step of inquiring about permits for a project at your house.
Take a look at what you need to know about getting a permit for a patio enclosure!
Do You Need a Permit for a Patio Enclosure?
The answer really depends on where you live. That’s because different municipalities have differing policies when it comes to patio enclosures. While you may require a permit, a person who lives two streets over in the next town might not.
It’s not just patio enclosures that are impacted by these widely varying local rules. Local municipalities mostly have patchwork codes that have all sorts of different zoning and permit laws for things like sheds, deck, fences, chicken coops or more. While one town might require a permit if you simply want to build a garden shed, another will basically allow you to build a farm silo in your yard without any questions asked.
In some cases, structure height will determine whether or not a permit is needed. For instance, a town might dictate that any fence shorter than 6 feet doesn’t need a permit.
However, it gets tricky because a town that’s strict about one type of structure may not have any rules on the books about another type of structure.
The reason why permit rules are all over the place is that items get added, taken away or voted on over the course of decades. What’s more, towns and cities don’t have any “larger guidelines” to follow because there aren’t any official state or federal zoning rules to be applied.
Let’s talk about what we know specifically about patio enclosures being permitted:
- Unlike decks, patios typically don’t require permits.
- Most attached “three-season” screened porches will need permits.
- It’s possible that something that is considered an “unattached” structure that’s under a certain size won’t need a permit.
Overall, you can expect to need to have a permit pulled for your project if you plan to attach an enclosure to a patio or porch. The good news is that most municipalities make the process very easy.
You can start by looking at your town or city’s municipal website to access a list of local zoning ordinances. You should be able to scan to an area covering the topic of enclosures to see what’s needed based on the size and placement of your intended project.
The next step is applying for a permit. This usually requires an in-person visit to your local building department. It’s also possible that you’ll be able to download and complete the paperwork at home. Here’s what the building office usually wants to see:
- A plot map showing your property’s boundaries.
- A sketch of where the enclosure will go.
- Your project plans.
- A completed application form.
- Payment.
Remember to draw everything to scale! Your sketch will be used to confirm that your project falls in line with any setback requirements regarding your property lines.
How Much Does a Permit for an Enclosed Porch Cost?
Again, every municipality does things its own way. The permit cost for this project will often range from $100 to $500.
You may also need to pull separate electrical or plumbing permits if you’ll be adding any special features to your enclosure. Expect those permits to range from $25 to $50 each. Many homeowners find that adding electrical outlets can make cleaning patio enclosures by vacuuming much easier!
The Good News About Hearing That You Need a Permit for a Patio Project
If you decide to hire a contractor to build your enclosure, you won’t have to worry about doing the grunt work to get your permits approved. That’s because contractors typically obtain permits for projects.
The benefit of this is that local contractors are already highly familiar with the permit process. That means they can take care of the details while reducing the likelihood that you’ll need to supply more information to the building office.
A contractor also knows exactly which permits to pull to cover all aspects of your project.
One last thing to keep in mind about permits is that an inspection is usually required for any work that requires a permit. This typically means one random inspection while work is going on that’s followed up by a final inspection to ensure that the work completed is compliant with all local code requirements.
Why Skipping a Permit for Your Patio Enclosure Isn’t a Good Idea
While you may be tempted to simply keep your new enclosure a secret from your town by erecting it without telling anyone, this isn’t a great strategy. First, your homeowners insurance may drop you if there is an issue at your home due to faulty, unpermitted work.
If your municipality notices unpermitted work has been done at your home, you may be told to take it down. Having work done on your home without a permit can also create headaches with the buyer’s home inspection if you ever try to sell your house in the future.
Final Thoughts on Getting a Permit for Your Enclosed Porch
Do you need a permit for a patio enclosure? The bottom line is that you probably will be required to get a permit for your new patio enclosure. However, the final answer comes down to what your town officials have decided to put on the books because there are no state or federal permits regarding what you can or can’t build on your property. The general rule is that areas that are more rural tend to have fewer permit requirements on the books. The only way to know is to cruise over to your town’s website to get the official permit list.