A pergola or patio cover in Georgetown adds shade to a deck or patio, and the city lists it on the permit list with about ten business days of plan review.
At a Glance
- Pergolas give part shade
- Solid covers block rain and sun
- About ten business days of plan review
- Lights or fans may need more permits
Shade Makes a Deck Usable
A deck in full Texas sun can sit empty all summer. A pergola or a cover changes that. The same space becomes a place for morning coffee, an evening meal or a nap in the afternoon.
Pergola or Cover
A pergola has open beams and slats on top. It breaks up the sun and lets air move. Vines or a shade cloth can add more cover later. A patio cover has a solid roof. It keeps off rain and full sun, and it can hold a ceiling fan.
The Georgetown Permit Path
The city permit list names patio covers, pergolas included. The city patio cover page asks for a site survey that shows where the cover will go, with its size and drawings. The city says to allow ten business days for plan review. There is a Setback inspectionAn early visit from a city inspector. The pins are dug up and a string line shows the outline of the deck, so the inspector can check its place on the lot. and a building final. If the job includes electrical, more permits and inspections may apply.
On a Deck or on the Ground
A pergola can stand over a new deck, an old deck or open ground. On a deck, the posts usually pass through the boards to their own footings. If you plan to add a pergola later, tell us before the deck is built so the frame is ready for it.
Want a full room instead? See screened porches.
Questions About Pergolas and Covers
How long does Georgetown take to review a pergola permit?
About ten business days, per the city patio cover page. That is faster than a deck, which takes fifteen to twenty business days.
What is the difference between a pergola and a patio cover?
A pergola has open slats on top and gives part shade. A patio cover has a solid roof that keeps out rain and full sun. Both need posts and footings.
Can a pergola sit on my deck?
Yes, if the deck frame is built to carry it. The posts usually go down through the deck to their own footings. We plan that before the deck goes in when we can.