Do You Need A Permit To Build A Patio In Your Yard? Here's What We Know

There are plenty of reasons why a homeowner might want to build a patio in their backyard or off the side of their home. It's a sturdy, even space where you can set out some chairs to kick back, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. It can also be an area for outdoor entertaining friends and family. Patios are generally easier to construct, more affordable than building something like a sunroom or deck, and usually require little maintenance when made from patio stones or pavers. A common concern for homeowners is whether or not a permit is required prior to patio installation. Typically, you don't need a permit to build a basic patio since you're not actually installing a structure or modifying your home. However, this can vary depending on your city's building codes and the patio's features. 

Every city has its own guidelines and requirements when it comes to property construction and modifications. Generally, a patio that only consists of pavers laid on the ground doesn't require a permit. But that can change if you decide to extend your roof to cover part of it. That type of project usually does require a permit since you're altering the structure of your home. The same applies to an enclosed patio or if you want to screen it in, as you are now adding a structure to your property. To be safe, contact your city's local building department before getting started to confirm whether or not a permit is needed. And since you'll likely be doing a bit of digging to lay your pavers, be sure to call 811 to have underground utility lines marked. This ensures you don't accidentally hit any while excavating prior to paver installation.

If you neglect to obtain a permit before building a patio and your city requires one, it puts you and your property at financial risk. For starters, the city could impose fines and penalties, which accumulate the longer the unauthorized structure remains in place. The reason building codes exist, and why some projects require permits, is to ensure structures are safe and don't pose a risk to the public. The patio needs to be up to code, and the proper permits pulled, to ensure it's safe for people to be on/in.

The next issue that comes with not obtaining a permit when one is required is that it can reduce the value of your home. When your property is appraised or inspected, it may come to light that you didn't get the proper permits, which could interfere with or even halt the sale. In some cases, you might even be required to remove the patio before the sale can be completed. Not to mention, insurance companies typically won't insure an unpermitted part of your home, which can make protecting or selling it even harder.