[hotpa2d2]

I've been trying to find out if I should get a permit for putting up a 10x10 aluminum pergola on my patio. I know my HOA pre-approves them, but has anyone put one up successfully without a building permit from the city? It's under 120 sq. ft. But over 6' tall. This is the exact one... https://imgur.com/a/a15JdbN

[Mike from back east]

Your HOA would probably know if a permit is required; my guess is it usually is.

[boatpi]

If it is cheap Alumawood style, I would as they blow down often. Make sure a licensed contractor does it, what is your life worth.

[MrWillys]

Building permits for temporary structures under 120 sq ft are not required by old building code. New code the size is even greater. However, codes are often changed by jurisdiction having authority. Please check with them prior to assembly. Make sure to secure it from movement by wind.

[boatpi]

FYI If you are going on the cheap and buying a Costco model, good luck, someone may die when it flys away in the first big wind event.

[ochodedos]

I looked at the Costco pergolas, most require some sort of anchor either into a patio or footing.

Anyway, I’m planning on building a pergola but this is 12 x 12. According to City of Henderson, you do need a permit.

From an email:

“Yes, a pergola would require a permit. As long as you meet the setback requirements, you can begin the permitting process which is done through our Building and Fire Safety Department. They can be reached at 702-267-3620 or cohpermits@cityofhenderson.com.

The setback requirements you would need to meet are showing in Table 19.10.5-1 below. Basically, it would need to be at least 5 feet from the rear and side property lines. “

[boatpi]

Costco pergola's will get your killed, our wind speed for engineering is 117 MPH. They al blow down. You cannot go cheap in the desert.

[boatpi]

Add to my previous comments, you need engineering, and if not on an approved concrete slab, the posts have to be in footings. Footings are generally 2 1/2' square IN GROUND with rebar. I am in this business, and FYI. Hope this helps

[ochodedos]

Originally Posted by boatpi

Add to my previous comments, you need engineering, and if not on an approved concrete slab, the posts have to be in footings. Footings are generally 2 1/2' square IN GROUND with rebar. I am in this business, and FYI. Hope this helps

Posts should not be “in” footings, they should be attached to footings. Of course with the appropriate hardware.

What I’m wondering is why “Costco pergolas” would be “dangerous”? Aren’t they supposed to be anchored down like any other pergola?
If the wind here ever gets up to 117mph, my pergola is not going to be my first worry.

[boatpi]

Does not matter if it gets to 117 MPH, you cannot get a permit unless it has engineering stamped for this speed. For a good reason. No, you cannot just bolt it to a 'footing' like a square of concrete in the ground, unsafe and not to code for that reason. Most concrete approved slabs are 4" thick, 4500 LB PSI, and large slabs wit approved Hilti etc., IBC fasteners. A footing is a 2 1/2' cube of concrete in the ground that a post is sunk into. This is somewhat a science to be safe so no one gets hurt or killed. This IS a structure. I hope this clears up the details.