​Engineering and Permits​​
Gov Building Department Useful Links
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Obtaining a Permit
In some cities, a building permit is not required for constructing a Patio Cover, check with your Building Department about specific requirements before construction. i.e. a Permit may not be required for a free-standing patio cover if it is at least 6 feet away from another building and the roofing structure (including eaves, gutters etc.) does not cover more than 300 square feet. Also, some departments do not require a permit if using a lattice (non-solid) cover.​
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In other cases, to obtain a permit, contact your Building Department. The department typically requires:
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​ Plot map of your house
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Structural plans (drawing of backyard, cover, and its measurements)
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​ Engineering Report
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Product Engineering Evaluation Reports:
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Different states accept different engineering reports, the most widely accepted is the ICC 2009 (stamped for approval by 38 states):
Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
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​Factors to consider for Patio Cover Engineering:
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Regional Snow Load
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Wind Exposure
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Seismic Activity
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Regional Snow Load:​
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The Ground snow load (GSL) is calculated by pounds per square foot of snow coverage and dictated by your region and elevation. The Roof Design Load (RDL) refers to the amount of snow a roofing structure is designed to hold.​
​Note: Rooftop Attachments are not permitted in Snow Load areas.
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For areas with 10 lbs ground snow load,
roof design load equals 10 pounds.
20 lbs GSL = 20 lbs RDL
30 lbs GSL = 25.2 lbs RDL
40 lbs GSL = 33.6 lbs RDL
60 lbs GSL = 50.4 lbs RDL
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​Wind Exposure:
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​Wind Exposure is measured in MPH. Alumawood Patio Covers are designed to withstand 90 MPH winds. If your area receives winds higher than 90 MPH consult your Building Department for the exact requirements for constructing a roofing structure.
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​*All Patio Kits Direct Pre-Fabricated KITs are designed for 10 lb snow load and 90 mph winds. If your area differs in these factors, please contact us or use our customizable quote form so we can put together an even stronger KIT for you that will withstand the elements of your area.
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i.e. Solid Cover - snow load determines post spacing
Building Codes:
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To facilitate your understanding and interaction with the Building Department learn some of the common terminology and building codes used in the industry:
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ICC (International Code Council)
IBC (International Building Code)
IRC (International Residential Code)
CBC (California Building Code)
UBC (Uniform Building Code)
IAPMO (International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials)
ICBO (International Conference of Building Officials)
CBSC (California Building Standards Commission)
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