South FL Building Codes

Matty16 · 08-01-2008, 03:51 PM

Does anyone do any work in South Florida? I am building a Pergola and would like to know how deep to cement the posts into the ground to comply with Hurricane ordinance. I'm planning on going 4' down with about 4-6" of gravel at the bottom.

Please let me know, if you know!

concretemasonry · 08-01-2008, 05:06 PM

Check with your local code officials. they must have some acceptable standards because of the local concerns for projectiles during hurricanes and tornadoes. It would be a shame for your pergola become a weapon.

Dick

agrace · 08-01-2008, 05:18 PM

Yep, check with the bldg dept. In Mich for every 2 ft above ground you have to have 1 ft in ground. We have an 9ft Pergola with 6X6'S for supports & about 4 ft (+) in the ground. The city comes and measures the depth before you put the posts in too!! We packed it with small pea gravel for 3 feet or so and soil at the top so the pressure treated lumber has some below ground drainage around it. There are 2 swings on it and it isn't goin anywhere! Been up since 1996 and thru a few Mich wind storms, ice, snow etc. Just my experience with our Pergola.

Big Bob · 08-02-2008, 10:11 AM

You will have more than how deep to set your posts to be concerned with it you are in the HVWZ in S FL. straps / hangers / tie-downs

Hire a structural engr, they might be able to design this so it doesn't look like an erecktor set. Shouldn't be more than $ 300- $ 500. Some will even walk this thru the permitting process for you.

do this with out a permit and they may make you take it down. ( don't comply with your red tag?)
They can kill the power to your house...

Joe Carola · 08-02-2008, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matty16

Does anyone do any work in South Florida? I am building a Pergola and would like to know how deep to cement the posts into the ground to comply with Hurricane ordinance. I'm planning on going 4' down with about 4-6" of gravel at the bottom.

Please let me know, if you know!

You can get the answer as soon as you call your code official.

Yoyizit · 08-02-2008, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matty16

I'm planning on going 4' down

FYI, for a nominal 4x4'" post in an 8" dia. hole, I figure 1 cu. ft. of concrete is needed for each 45" of depth.

Joe Carola · 08-02-2008, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yoyizit

FYI, for a nominal 4x4'" post in an 8" dia. hole, I figure 1 cu. ft. of concrete is needed for each 45" of depth.

You're in Maryland, he's in Florida. He has to follow his codes.

Yoyizit · 08-02-2008, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Carola

You're in Maryland, he's in Florida. He has to follow his codes.

I wasn't clear. This is a general formula for figuring the space between "square pegs in round holes" if he needed it and if the local codes allow him to sink posts in this way.

Big Bob · 08-03-2008, 07:25 AM

http://www.floridabuilding.org/BCISOld/bc/default.asp

have fun