Do Gazebos Require Permits to Install?

Do gazebos require permits? It is one of the major questions homeowners frequently ask when planning to build a gazebo. Adding a gazebo in your backyard or garden can be exciting and rewarding; the thought of a building permit seems to bother many. If you are looking forward to building a gazebo in your open space, keep reading to know whether you need a gazebo permit or not.

What is a Gazebo?

A gazebo is a type of outdoor structure with open or partially open sides. You can install a gazebo in your backyard, garden or on an open space. Gazebos are also known to some people as pagoda, rotunda, tea house and more. It is an outdoor structure with a hard or soft top supported with four posts or more. Gazebo makers build a gazebo with materials like wood, metal or vinyl.

You can place a gazebo with an in-built floor on a crushed stone pad or a concrete foundation. At the same time, you can place a  gazebo without a floor on concrete. Depending on how long you intend to use it, a gazebo can be permanent or temporary.

Types of Gazebo 

Temporary Gazebo

As the name implies, a temporary gazebo is gazebos meant for temporary use. Pop-up gazebo, Instant canopy, portable gazebo and canopy tent are known as the temporary gazebo. The temporary gazebo is easy to transport, and you can install it anywhere. They differ from permanent gazebos because they have a light framework with a soft rooftop. Temporary gazebos are for seasonal or occasional use; hence can not be used all year long.

Permanent Gazebo

Permanent gazebo structures are the type of gazebo made for use throughout the year. Gazebo makers build this type of gazebo with long-lasting materials and a hard rooftop. A permanent gazebo can last for decades when properly maintained and can be used all year round. The structure of the permanent gazebo is strong enough that it can withstand any weather conditions.

Do Gazebos require a permit? 

So, you want to know whether a gazebo needs a building permit or not. First, a building permit is an official document issued by the government or other regulatory body. This document gives you permission to build on land or make changes in a building. Building permits are there to preserve your wellbeing and those around you. It is all about procuring safety because a certain project may pose a greater risk than others.

An outdoor structure lesser than 100 square feet does not require a building permit. But building a gazebo of that size will be too tiny for you. A gazebo is not viewed as a building since it doesn’t have walls; hence you may need a local permit or not.

Factors that Determines a Gazebo Permit

Getting a permit or not for your gazebo depends on the following; 

The Area You Are Living 

Depending on the state or region you are living in, you may be required to obtain a permit or not before installing a gazebo. At the same time, some regions do not demand a building permit for an outdoor structure. 

Some localities considered the gazebo as an extra structure added as an accessory to the primary structure of a property. A building permit might be required for all accessory structures to ensure that it maintains the area’s building code. At the same time, some regional gazebo permits may come with special requirements.

Your Gazebo Plan

The size of the gazebo, the location, the number of people who want to use it may also determine whether you will need to get a permit. The building inspector in your area may want to see a rough sketch of where the gazebo will place. He may also want to know the size and measurements of your gazebo.

If you also plan to add some electrical appliance to the gazebo, you might need a special permit for such. You may also obtain a permit if you plan to have a water supply in your gazebo. 

How to Get a Permit

You don’t need to worry if the area you live in requires authorization before installing a gazebo. Getting a building permit is not difficult; you can walk up to the local office in your area to get an application form. You can also call the office to get the form mailed to you.

Conclusion 

You may require a permit to install your gazebo if the state or region you live in requests a building permit. Building permits are not difficult to get; you can simply get in touch with the local department in your area to obtain an application form for your permit.