Understanding the Consequences: Building a Pergola Without a Permit in California
Have you ever wondered what happens if you build a pergola without a permit?
Imagine investing time, effort, and resources into building the perfect pergola, only to discover that your dream structure violates local regulations.
In San Francisco and other Northern California cities, the consequences of such an oversight can be expensive. Homeowners might face substantial fines or, in some instances, the heartbreaking requirement to demolish their lovingly crafted addition.
This is a stark reminder of the important role permits play in home improvement projects, whether you take on the project yourself or hire a professional like StruXure NorCal.
There’s no reason to risk such drastic outcomes. Understanding the reasons behind building permits, navigating through applicable building codes, and avoiding penalties for building without a permit will go a long way in helping ease any fears about your next project.
Reasons Behind Building Permits
Cynically, some might say the reason for building permits is for local governments to raise more money. However, their primary purpose is to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Think about it: You do not want to buy a house that is unsafe because the contractor did not follow the code requirements.
Because of the risk of wildfires in California, contractors in the state need to follow building regulations related to fire-resistant materials to protect against potential fire hazards.
Local building departments also regulate decks and pergolas. The reason is that it goes back to the primary purpose: Public safety.
The Consequences of Building Without a Permit
Compliance with building codes will help protect you, your family, your guests, and your bank account.
If you had an elevated deck and the structure were to give way, or the railings did not comply with the city code, causing someone to fall and get injured, there is an emotional cost to the harm done. There is also a financial cost for the injury, whether medical expenses or a judgment from a lawsuit.
There are other consequences of unpermitted work done to your home, as chronicled by the San Francisco Chronicle.
“Homeowners caught upgrading their properties without proper permits can end up owing the city in fees up to nine times the cost of the unpermitted work, based on the value of the construction,” the newspaper reported in an online story updated on Sept. 7, 2023.
How Do Cities Discover Homeowners Doing Unpermitted Work
A city building inspector might learn about work being done without a permit in many ways. Here are some of them:
- Your neighbor might complain. Cities like San Francisco and Palo Alto have forms online where your neighbors can search to see if you have a permit and, if not, report the unpermitted work.
- A building inspector might see the work while headed to a building inspection somewhere.
- Aerial or satellite images. When assessing property values, some cities use aerial images to compare the buildings on a particular parcel to see if new structures have been added.
- Your neighbor might complain. Cities like San Francisco and Palo Alto have forms online where your neighbors can search to see if you have a permit and, if not, report the unpermitted work.
How Much Do Permits Cost?
The cost of a permit varies, and it is typically based on the project’s value. The more expensive the project, the higher the permit cost. Many cities will have their fee structure online, so you can understand what it might cost.
Not all projects require a permit. Generally, you might not need one if your deck is under 100 square feet and no more than 30 inches off the ground.
However, it can be confusing, especially if you start the project with one idea and then add to it. The new design based on the completed project might require a permit.
How to Avoid the Consequences of Building Without a Permit
One way is not to build without fully understanding whether you need a permit.
An easier way is to work with StruXure NorCal. Our skilled professionals have decades of experience working with cities around the Bay Area and across Northern California, and we’d be happy to help you understand what kind of permit might be required based on your location, city, and county.
Whether you choose to work with us or not, discuss with the company whether your project requires a permit and who is responsible for securing the permit.
The consequences of building without a permit can lead to financial penalties and serious injuries, and neither one is good. So, be proactive in securing a permit and ensuring the work is up to code.
Let StruXure NorCal Guide You Through the Pergola Permit Process
Getting a permit is easy when you work with our talented team at StruXure NorCal. Navigating the maze of government bureaucracy can be challenging, but we’ve been there and done that.
StruXure NorCal offers free design consultations to help you customize a motorized pergola that caters to your specific outdoor entertaining needs, blending advanced technology with elegant design. We will also assist with the permitting process.
When you’re ready to enhance your outdoor living space, contact us today or request your free consultation. We will discuss your project goals and budget to determine what products and services best suit your needs.
