A patio made with concrete can be a great asset for your land, delivering a hard and stylish outside space for entertaining and unwinding. Before you can mix the concrete and prepare the site, though, you need to first establish…do you need a permit for a concrete patio? The response is far from always straightforward and often depends on several local criteria. 

In this guide from Bill’s Custom Concrete, we can help you determine the regulations and get the process to go from conception to finish. If you’re interested in the consideration of concrete patio cost in Oklahoma City for budgeting purposes, be sure to speak to our team. 

Deciphering building codes can be confusing, but permits exist for a reason. The permits put in place are designed so that building projects are structurally secure and safe and are in conformity with local laws meant for your own safety and your community’s safety. Building without the required concrete patio permit can result in fines, possible run-ins with the law, and potentially having the structure torn down. Best to take the time and get the rules straight ahead of time so you can avoid a lot of headaches and potential cost later.

When Do You Need Permits for Patios?

The need for a permit is most often in terms of local building and zoning laws. They are in effect for the sake of maintaining the safety codes, land use, and ensuring new construction does no damage to your property or others’ property in the area. A simple, straightforward patio does not necessarily require a permit in an area, but more sophisticated projects often do. 

Most times, the larger and more permanent the structure, the more likely you are obliged to obtain permission from the correct people – usually by applying for a permit for a concrete patio at your local office.

Factors That Determine Permit Requirements

A variety of things dictate whether or not your concrete patio project must have a permit. Most are localized zoning ordinances, which are contained in each city and county government’s own regulations. Patio location and size are also quite crucial. Most locations have threshold sizes in area or in height; if your patio exceeds them, you can presume safely that you must have a permit. 

Beyond that, structural considerations, such as installing a roof onto the structure or attaching the patio up against your own building, nearly universally require a permit since they involve the structure that exists at your property.

How to Confirm What You Need Locally

The best way to determine if you need a permit or not is to contact the building or planning department in your city. You can typically find the contact information online at the city’s or county’s website or in the office over the phone. Tell them the size and location and scope of your project, and they will inform you about the regulations in your area.

Another asset we highly recommend is a local, qualified contractor. Good contractors are very familiar with the permit process in the area in which they work and can offer point-specific advice applicable to the minutiae of your project. Our contractors at Bill’s can typically facilitate the permit applications for you and ensure all paperwork is in order and the project adheres to all necessary codes.

Think Ahead for a Successful Project

Adding a concrete patio can really help beautify your property, but it’s very important to get it done right. Always check with your local permit process beforehand. Consult with your local building department and hire an experienced contractor so that your new patio can be wonderfully well-designed, safe, legal, and durable!Â