Anyone know building code?
 

I'm trying to figure out - if I want to build an open-roof free standing pergola, are there regulations? Do I need a permit? Does it need to be a certain distance from the main building structure? Does it matter if I am anchoring posts into the ground vs. leaving them free standing on the ground?

I've found some info, but can't really get a clear picture.

It probably varies from city to city - and even more if you're in place with an HOA. Call code enforcement and ask?

Yeah, the HOA is another story. I just want to start with actual code before I talk to the HOA, gives me ammo.

I think if you, through your HOA "agreed" to limit what would be done, that would trump what could be done under the city regs. A lot of the zoning, setback, permit stuff is available online, so you don't have to call the city and give a fake name and address.

As to unpermitted work, the city made a couple of our neighbors remove a fair amount of expensive unpermitted work in their homes. How did the city find out? Another neighbor ratted them out to get back at them for calling the city about some of her improvements. Turns out that in at least one of the cases, she ratted out the wrong neighbor.

Well, I did call the planning commission. Basically, no dice. Our HOA would never agree to anything that's not to code. Which means that free standing is out of the question because any free standing structure has to be 6 feet from any other existing structure which, in our patio, puts somewhere in the 4th dimension. Which means it would have to attach to the building, requiring more work, permits, and money than I particularly care to deal with. Meanwhile, I know the HOA has been giving other neighbors sh*t for their existing shade structures. All of which means by the time we'd even be able to get started, assuming we could come up with something the HOA is okay with, summer will be over.

Sigh.

Maybe I'll just by an ugly umbrella.

What about a canopy structure as in an EZ up type thing? At least you could put it up and take it down as needed.

And umbrella helps a lot! I've got mine up in my tiny backyard now and, between that and the awning, everything's almost completely shaded.

Another idea....a sun sail.

The sun sail has its possibilities (thought I bet even that will get us a fight with the HOA, but at least the subsequent work involved after the fight is minimal).

I HATE EZ ups, I'd rather sweat than look at one of those on my patio.

Not a single one of those Target options (except for the sail-types) would fit on our patio without being an obstruction.

Can you go to an HOA meeting and just ask them specifically what's allowed and what's not? Our HOA is fairly lenient on most things but I know that's not the case with many. I've gone to ours and just said here's my problem. What options do I have to fix it?

I've also found that the management company - or at least ours - aren't helpful and don't know anything. It was easier to just go directly to the meeting and ask questions.