What the county looks for
Pasco's building department reviews outdoor structures like any other permitted structure. For a gazebo, pergola or shed that usually means a site plan or survey showing where it sits and the setbacks, the manufacturer's information for the kit, and engineering that shows the structure, its connections and its footing can resist the design wind load for the property.
Requirements can vary by structure size, whether it is attached to the house, and whether it is in a flood zone, so confirm with the permit office for your address. We tell you exactly which documents your job needs.
Why a kit's own paperwork often is not enough
Kit manufacturers usually sell nationwide. Their sheets may not state the wind speed they were designed for, or show the anchor and footing details the county needs for Pasco's wind-speed requirement. On a recent Land O' Lakes job, a gazebo kit's documents lacked the structural data the county needed, and the owner had to change course after the kit was already purchased.
Checking the paperwork before you buy, or at least before you assemble and pour, avoids that.
What we prepare
- Review of your kit documents or your design
- Footing, slab and anchor design for the structure and soil conditions
- Connection and tie-down details for uplift
- Signed and sealed drawings ready to upload with your permit application
- One round of changes if the county asks for a correction
How it works
Step 1: Send the kit model, spec sheet, a photo of the site and the address, or call us. Step 2: We tell you what the county will need and quote a fixed price. Step 3: We prepare the sealed plans. Step 4: You or your contractor submit the permit. If the county asks for changes, we respond to the comments.
Already built it?
If the gazebo or shed is already up, we can inspect it and write an engineer's letter for an after-the-fact permit. Do not pour or assemble more until you hear what the county will require.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a gazebo or shed in Pasco County?
Often yes, depending on size, height, whether it is attached to a house and where it sits on the lot. Small structures may be exempt, but exemptions have limits. Check with Pasco's permit office or call us and we will help you find out.
Can the kit manufacturer's documents be used instead of engineered plans?
Sometimes, if they show the wind design criteria and anchoring required for your address. Many do not. We can review them and tell you if they are enough.
Do you visit the site?
Not always for a new structure. A visit is typical if the structure is already built or the soil or slab is a concern.
Areas we serve most
Based in New Port Richey, we work across Pasco, Pinellas, Hernando and Hillsborough counties, including New Port Richey, Holiday, Port Richey, Trinity, Hudson, Odessa, Land O' Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Spring Hill, Brooksville, Tampa, and projects throughout Florida.