Permit Needed for Pergola in Front Yard? (Austin: HOA, zoning)

[drlaser]

Hi,
I recently purchased a two-story four unit complex in south Austin, 2 units on the ground floor, 2 units upstairs. Everyone enters through the same wide front entrance (approximately 8-10' wide) into a smaller inside area that includes the front doors for the ground units and stairs leading up to the second floor units.

For aesthetic reasons I would like to put a rectangular pergola (approximately 2-3' wide and 10-12' long and 10' high) in front of the front entrance way. I did not plan to attach it to the house, instead the pergola would be separated by about 2 1/2 feet from the building.

I would like to know if I need a building permit from the city to do this?

Thank you.

[CptnRn]

Yes, see the FAQ.

http://austintexas.gov/department/planning/faq

[Novacek]

Are you sure about that? I would have thought that would count as an "accessory structure" which (probably) doesn't require a permit.

https://www.city-data.com/forum/austi...ty-permit.html

[10scoachrick]

From CaptRn's link:

"The City of Austin requires a permit for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, improve, remove, convert, move or demolish any building or structure within the City’s zoning jurisdiction"

Those dimensions described sound like a structure , not just a trellis for vines to climb. Especially as it will be so visible, I'd likely seek 'permission' rather than 'forgiveness' on this one.

[CSD610]

Originally Posted by drlaser

Hi,
I recently purchased a two-story four unit complex in south Austin, 2 units on the ground floor, 2 units upstairs. Everyone enters through the same wide front entrance (approximately 8-10' wide) into a smaller inside area that includes the front doors for the ground units and stairs leading up to the second floor units.

For aesthetic reasons I would like to put a rectangular pergola (approximately 2-3' wide and 10-12' long and 10' high) in front of the front entrance way. I did not plan to attach it to the house, instead the pergola would be separated by about 2 1/2 feet from the building.

I would like to know if I need a building permit from the city to do this?

Thank you.

Take a photo of the complex and a photo of the pergola that you want to put up and ask them if you need a permit to put it up. If you do you are already there, if you don't it is still not a wasted trip just be sure to write down the time, date and whom you spoke with when you do go.

[BentBow]

As long as it is not bigger than 100 sq.ft. and is at least 5 feet from the side property line easement and 10 feet from the front easement(not including overhanging eves)
You will be good to go.

Portable buildings and metal lawn sheds, do not require a permit, if you the homeowner, are the one building it.

You may have an HOA you don't know about!!! They can ruin good intentions quickly!


You never know, get your gas and plumbing lines marked!

[mesmer]

You might also want to check into ADA requirements, as two feet seems too narrow for a wheelchair to get through, depending on how the sidewalks are situated. I'm not remotely qualified about any of this so I don't know if those would apply to an existing structure or not but it's worth checking so you don't get into trouble there either.

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by Novacek

Are you sure about that? I would have thought that would count as an "accessory structure" which (probably) doesn't require a permit.

https://www.city-data.com/forum/austi...ty-permit.html

I've been told in the past and recently that an accessory structure can't have a permanent foundation. A pergola with posts set into the ground probably will be considered a permanent foundation. It won't cost the OP anything to go down and verify that with the permit office.

But go early and plan on waiting an hour or two, they are busy with a huge backlog.

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by BentBow

As long as it is not bigger than 100 sq.ft. and is at least 5 feet from the side property line easement and 10 feet from the front easement(not including overhanging eves)
You will be good to go.

Portable buildings and metal lawn sheds, do not require a permit, if you the homeowner, are the one building it.

You may have an HOA you don't know about!!! They can ruin good intentions quickly!


You never know, get your gas and plumbing lines marked!

An easement and a property line are different things, you seem to have them confused. The front property line usually has a 25' set back requirement. The rear property line setback is 10' and side yard setback is 5', but can be more of you are on a corner. I think it is 15' in that case.

[OpenD]

Definitely get a ruling from the city before you do anything.

A very good friend recently had a small playhouse built for his son, custom designed, very nice looking, flew his brother across country to build it professionally, spent some coin on the project, then had it red tagged within a week. Seems he misunderstood one of the clauses about where he could put it, a neighbor complained, and ka-pow!

For just under $1,000 the city said he could apply for a waiver, no guarantee he'd get it. He declined, had it pulled apart.

I asked why he hadn't checked with the city first, and he said "I didn't think it was that big a deal."