Submittal Requirements For Patio or Deck Covers
The following is required when submitting for a patio or deck cover:
- Douglas County Building Permit Application. If contractors are being used they must be listed on your application at the time of submittal.
- One set of scaled (¼” = 1’) construction drawings. All plans must be submitted on white paper in blue or black ink. This is to include framing plan indicating how it is going to be constructed. This must include the spans for the rafters and beams. All trusses shall be engineered.
- A side view section to include how the posts are going to be supported and the type of roofing materials that is being used.
- A site plan indicating where it is going to be located in relationship to the side and back property lines including distance to property lines.
- Letter from Architectural Control Committee. If you do not have this letter, please be advised that your permit will be placed on "hold" for approximately 10 working days so that we may inform them in writing, unless you obtain the approval letter prior to the release of the permit.
A permit is required when the cover is of solid construction. Any type of slatted or open construction would not require a permit.
Roof loads are figured at 30-pound snow load at 5,999 feet. For each 500 feet change in elevation the snow load increases 5 pounds. Wind load is figured at 85 miles per hour using exposure "C"(105mph 3 second gust). Frost depth is 36" below finished grade. All post holes are required to comply with this building regulation.
Building Guide
The Building Guide was developed by the Colorado Chapter of the International Code Council as a basic plan submittal under the 2003 International Residential Code. It is not intended to cover all circumstances.
The following items are specific to Douglas County Building Division requirements:
•One set of construction plans is required
•One plot plan is required
•Per Douglas County Policy Statement 00-07 - Attachment for Decks and Patio Covers
All decks and patio covers constructed under a valid Douglas County Building permit shall be attached to the structure with minimum 3/8" inch diameter by 5 1/2" inch long lag bolts with washers. Spacing shall not exceed 16" inches on center configured in a staggered pattern. Carriage bolts may be installed in lieu of lag bolts in a staggered pattern not to exceed 16" inches on center equal diameter with a length to allow a nut and washer to be attached the full depth of the nut. Backing shall be of sufficient integrity design as to provide equivalent support of a standard 2x4 structurally rated stud as placed in a frame wall. Ledgers attached to concrete shall be treated wood or approved wood of natural resistance to decay and security with minimum 3/8" inch diameter expansion anchors at 16" inches on center with a length to provide a minimum of 3" inches of penetration into the concrete. Any alternate method or material for attachment will require a design by a registered Professional Engineer, and be submitted to the Douglas County Building Division for approval.
Building Guide - Patio Covers [569KB]
Additional Resources
Building Fee Schedule [40KB]
Building Permit Application [17KB]
Patio Cover Inspection List [HTML Page ]
