Do You Need A Permit To Pour Concrete In Your Backyard? (Find Out)

If you have a house renovation project involving the use of concrete, you may want to do some research. There are zoning laws guiding the use of concrete for safety purposes.

You may need a permit If your DIY project involves the use Of concrete, this rule stands irrespective of the size of the project. Before starting any project, you are advised to check in with your local or state construction rules.

In this guide, we have explained the importance of having a permit, how to know when you need a permit, and what happens when you cannot obtain a permit.

Do You Need a Permit to Pour Concrete in Your Backyard?

Some states enforce laws concerning concrete and other construction materials for a personal project. These laws are enforced to ensure safety.

You may want to save some money by having a DIY project instead of hiring a professional to do the task, but it is important to check in with your local or state construction laws to confirm if you need a permit or not.

If you do not want to obtain a permit, you can always hire a professional to get the work done.

How To Know When You Need a Permit Before Pouring Concrete?

To know if you need a permit to pour concrete in your yard, you should check in with the construction laws of your state. You may not require a permit for really tiny projects like fixing small cracks or installing fence posts.

However, for large tasks like walking paths, foundations, and any project covering about 200 square feet, your yard needs a permit. You will also need a permit; your construction area is under special protection.

How Close to My Property Line Can I Pour Concrete?

Any construction project in your yard involving concrete should be carried out at least 18 inches away from your house and at least 15 inches away from the house behind.

For a larger project that may involve covering your entire yard or most of it, you will need a permit and an inspection to be conducted to check if your gas pipes are safe from possible leaks. The inspection will determine how safe your project won’t damage your neighbor’s property.

What is The Importance of Having a Permit?

A permit is issued to ensure that your DIY construction is safe and won’t do any harm to your neighbor or people close to you. It also signifies that your construction is eco-friendly, safe, and won’t cause damage in the future.

Getting a permit also tells you more about the location of your project. You may be digging in an area with underground gas pulse or electric wires; a permit informs you about this and prevents any disaster waiting to happen.

Who Obtains The Permit?

The individual to carry out the construction project is responsible for obtaining the permit. If it’s a DIY project, you need to get the permit yourself, but if you hire a contractor or professional, it is their responsibility to obtain the permit.

If you have hired a professional, you must ensure that the contractor has legally obtained the permit. After that is confirmed, you can start your project

What Happens When You Pour Concrete Without a Permit?

If you pour concrete in your yard, patio, or driveway without obtaining a permit, you can face serious consequences from your state officials.

Maybe you have poured concrete in your yard for your project, and this project happens to damage your neighbor’s property or put their lives in danger, they can press charges.

Some of the consequences of pouring concrete without obtaining a permit include paying a huge fine and difficulties in financing, buying, and selling your house.

Do Certain States Have Different Permit Rules For Concrete?

The permit rules for pouring concrete varies in different states. This is all dependent on the environmental requirement of the state, the safety requirement, and the zoning of each state. To know the requirements, you need to visit your state construction laws.

In states like Texas, there is a strict concrete pouring policy. You will need to provide detailed information about your project, including the location, a detailed drawing of the project, or whether or not your project will be portable or set on a concrete slab. Inspections will also be made before and after the construction.

There is no strict concrete pouring policy in California, as a permit is not required for projects that do not exceed 30 inches above the ground. And in New York, the main focus is not the use of the concrete but instead on the weight load of the concrete.

Is a Concrete Patio Considered a Structure?

While patios may not be considered an official stricture, there are still some laws governing the use of concrete in this area.

Patios are considered the minor restrained area in a home as it is well above ground and does not cause any harm to neighbors around.

But when it comes to building a new patio, you may be required to get a permit related to building and zoning. And you will need a permit if the concrete is 30 inches above grade.

Do I Need a Permit if I’m Pouring a Concrete Driveway?

The standard and the accepted limit for working with concrete on driveways without a permit is 18 inches. If your project requires the concrete to be more than 18 inches above grade, you must obtain a permit.

But the measurement of this limit can vary; that’s why it is essential to check in with your state laws. After your project and inspection may be constructed to determine if your project is safe

Conclusion

Renovation is a key part of every home and yard, but there is a restriction to the amount of concrete you can use for your project. You may be required to obtain a permit from your local or state construction laws to use concrete for a project.

A permit is not needed for projects like fencing, minor patio renovation, and fixing small cracks. But if your use of concrete will exceed 30 inches above grade, then you need a permit.

Inspection can be conducted before and after your project to determine how safe it is to the environment and people around.

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We trust this article helped you find out if you need a permit to pour concrete in your backyard. You may also want to check out How Much Cement Needed For Fence Post?

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