As outdoor living continues to be a trend, pergolas have seen an incredible surge in popularity in the past few years. These open backyard structures provide an easy and inexpensive way to cover patio and decks, making outdoor living space homier.
Pergolas offer a practical and attractive way to transform any backyard space.
If you are considering adding a pergola in your yard, it is imperative to understand what you need before starting the project. This is particularly important if your home is part of a homeowners association (HOA).
Generally, if you own a home that’s not part of HOA, you are free to construct and remodel your property. On the other hand, you will likely need HOA approval to modify your property if you live in HOA. However, this immensely depends on where you live.
In this post, you will learn more about HOA and whether you need HOA approval for pergola.
What is HOA?
Homeowners association, abbreviated as HOA, is a self-governing organization that seeks and strives to protect and improve property values for those in the community. They achieve this by enforcing restrictions on what homeowners can and cannot do regarding modifying their homes.
HOA also guarantees to maintain common areas, where each member pays HOA fees to cover the use and maintenance of the shared utilities, facilities, and areas.
All things considered, the primary goal of homeowners associations is to add to the value of a neighborhood. For the most part, this means restricting what structures and amenities homeowners can have and the requirements for each.
Do you need HOA approval to build a pergola?
Every homeowners association is different, and so are the rules of each community. When you buy a home that is part of HOA, there are certain rules you must follow, often known as restrictive covenants. At its core, a restrictive covenant is a binding legal agreement that limits what you can do with your property.
So, do you need HOA approval before building a pergola? Yes, no, and maybe. The answer depends on where you live. The best way to know the requirements of constructing any structure is to check the bylaws of your local HOA.
Although pergolas are temporary structures, you will likely need HOA approval to build one. Researching and understanding the rules of the local association can prevent unnecessary disputes.
Of significance, some states, like Florida, have also set stringent rules regarding the construction or modification of any structure within the state by any entity. As such, you will also need to check with your local building department to obtain the necessary permits.
When it comes to building a pergola, you can talk to friends who already have these incredible structures on their property and learn how they went about the process. If there are no pergolas in your neighborhood, navigating the process can be challenging, but asking your homeowners association will give you insights.
Conclusion
Pergolas are open structures that give off a more desirable ambiance. They are trendy, and many homeowners are considering them to transform their backyards. You can also grow vines against a pergola.
If your property is part of an HOA and you’re considering a pergola, you may or may not need an HOA approval for your project. To ensure you comply with all state, municipality, and HOA requirements, consult your local building department, check your HOA bylaws, and obtain necessary permits. The last thing you want is to get yourself into trouble because of ignorance.