I talked with permitting today and to build a 15' x 8' pergola which is a more simple version of this one http://www.renovations.com.my/matahari/images/pergola_ooi.jpg I must hire an engineer and have sealed engineering plans, a soil sample "to make sure the ground can support the structure" (huh? if the ground won't support a couple of 6"x6" posts and my house is only 8 feet away...!) AND MOST RIDICULOUS OF ALL, if I do NOT attach it to the house and do NOT sink the poles it will be easier to get the permit......???????????????????
SO, the LESS secure and sturdy I make the structure, the easier the permitting?
According to building dept. here in FL, most states require a permit for anything over 30" inches tall and engineer's plans if it has any roof structure at all. How in the world is there even one pergola on the planet? The sealed engineer's plan alone will cost 2500.00.
They did say I should buy a kit (around 4-5k) rather than build it (less than 1k) myself.
Please tell me about your pergola permit experience. P.S. My HOA requires a permit or letter from building dept that I don't need a permit before granting their almighty approval.
No Roof on mine and I explained the rafters to the guy but apparently if I drape a bath towel across the top...I have a roof and need a permit.
SO, the LESS secure and sturdy I make the structure, the easier the permitting?
According to building dept. here in FL, most states require a permit for anything over 30" inches tall and engineer's plans if it has any roof structure at all. How in the world is there even one pergola on the planet? The sealed engineer's plan alone will cost 2500.00.
They did say I should buy a kit (around 4-5k) rather than build it (less than 1k) myself.
Please tell me about your pergola permit experience. P.S. My HOA requires a permit or letter from building dept that I don't need a permit before granting their almighty approval.
No Roof on mine and I explained the rafters to the guy but apparently if I drape a bath towel across the top...I have a roof and need a permit.