Zoning Laws for Patio Covers

Patio Covers

• Patio covers are intended to protect patios from weather, not to create additional dwelling unit, and the regulations reinforce that. Regulations focus on maintaining the fire safety, ventilation and other requirements for a dwelling. Patio covers have to be structurally safe, too; construction standards are set out in local codes. Property setbacks and issues specific to certain regions, such as precautions with brush fires and environmentally sensitive areas, are also recognized in zoning regulations for patio covers.

Physical Description

• Patio covers are one-story structures not more than 12 feet above grade. They're permitted as an accessory to the dwelling unit for recreation and outdoor living purposes. Patio covers have to be open on two or more sides; they can be attached to the house or free-standing. When they're attached to the house detailed information about the rooms adjacent to the patio cover may be required. Free-standing patio covers have to be within a required setback from property lines.

Structural Requirements

• Building materials for patio covers must conform to the building codes, including lumber grade, bracing, the concrete mix for the footings and structural members for the roof. The clear wall height is usually specified at 6 feet 8 inches with some exceptions. Enclosure walls can have any configurationm but restrictions apply with regard to the percentage of glazed or open area. Additional fire protection methods aren't required, but the patio cover can't obstruct existing ones for the dwelling.

Enclosures

• Patios can be enclosed as long as the exterior openings in the house wall that are being covered are only providing light and ventilation, and the material enclosing the walls doesn't hamper that. If the exterior openings are emergency access for rescue or egress, the walls must remain open. Walls can be enclosed with insect screening, approved translucent or transparent plastic, approved glass, or a combination of those materials. Egress has to be provided from the enclosed patio.