Decks, Patios and Pergolas in Los Angeles County
Deck and patio planning in Los Angeles County
70.3% of Los Angeles County homes were built before 1980, and the City of Los Angeles issued 892 permits for decks, patio covers and pergolas over the last 12 months.
Los Angeles County at a glance
- Los Angeles County: housing units built before 1980, ACS 2020–2024
- 70.3%
- Los Angeles County: median year structure built, ACS 2020–2024
- 1965
- Los Angeles County: owner-occupied share of occupied homes, ACS 2020–2024
- 45.9%
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates · data as of
- Numbers from US Census and LADBS public records
- Up to three local contractors, never a long list
- Free, no obligation
What do permits say a deck, patio cover or pergola costs?
From City of LA building permits, last 12 months. Not a contract price. How we calculate this
Declared values on City of Los Angeles building permits, last 12 months. The dataset covers the City of Los Angeles only, so treat it as a regional reference for Los Angeles County. A declared value is what the permit states, not your contract price. How we calculate this.
Source: LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org), permits on one- and two-family homes issued to ; fire rebuilds excluded. ZIP medians need 20+ permits.
Los Angeles County housing and City of Los Angeles permit facts
Los Angeles County housing and City of Los Angeles permit facts
Local numbers for Los Angeles County, each with its source and date.
- Los Angeles County: median value of owner-occupied homes, ACS 2020–20241
- $834,200
- Los Angeles County: total housing units, ACS 2020–20241
- 3,650,466
- City of Los Angeles: deck, patio cover and pergola permits issued, last 12 months2
- 892 permits
- City of Los Angeles: median declared permit valuation, one- and two-family homes, last 12 months2
- $17,650
- City of Los Angeles: median days from submission to issue, one- and two-family homes, last 12 months2
- 71 days
Planning your project
What Los Angeles County homes mean for your deck, patio cover or pergola
Most homes in Los Angeles County are older. 70.3% of housing units were built before 1980, and the median year structure built is 1965 (Census 2020–2024). With a house this age, look closely at the wall and ledger where a deck or patio cover attaches before you plan the design.
Check drainage, setbacks on older lots, and any dry rot or termite damage in old wood. These are things to check, not certainties for every house.
The median value of owner-occupied homes in Los Angeles County is $834,200 (Census 2020–2024). Use that only to weigh budget against resale in general terms. It does not predict what your project will return.
45.9% of occupied homes in Los Angeles County are owner-occupied, so many homes are rented. If you own a rental, plan the work around your tenants and talk with them early.
In the City of Los Angeles, 892 deck, patio cover and pergola permits were issued over the last 12 months. The median declared permit valuation for one- and two-family homes was $17,650, and the median time from submission to issue was 71 days. These figures cover the City of Los Angeles only, not the whole county. A declared value is not the full project cost.
Declared permit value in the City of Los Angeles
| Project | Figure | Range on a shared scale |
|---|---|---|
| Median declared permit valuation, deck, patio cover or pergola permits on one- and two-family homes, City of Los Angeles, last 12 monthsA declared value on a building permit, not the full project cost. Usually below what you will actually pay. Get an estimate for your home. | $17,650 |
Bars share one scale, from $0 to $17,650.
Declared value on City of Los Angeles permits for one- and two-family homes over the last 12 months. This is the value written on the permit, not the contract price, and it is usually below the real project cost. Get an estimate for your home.
The typical path for a deck, patio cover or pergola
The typical path for a deck, patio cover or pergola
Decide what you want to build
Choose a deck, a patio cover or a pergola. Note where it will sit, how large it should be, and how you plan to use it.
Check your lot and city rules
Check setbacks and what your lot allows with your city. Each city in Los Angeles County runs its own permits, so ask your city's building department first.
Plan the design with older-home checks
Get drawings that show footings, the attachment to the house, and the materials. On an older home, look closely at the wall, the ledger, drainage, and any dry rot or termite damage in old wood.
Apply for a permit where needed
If your city requires a permit, the builder submits your plans for review. Review times vary, so plan ahead for the schedule.
Build footings and framing
Inspections check footings and framing before anything is covered up.
Finish and get the final inspection
Finish the surfaces, then schedule the final inspection with your city.
Questions homeowners ask
Who issues the permit for a deck or patio cover?
Each city in Los Angeles County runs its own permits. In the City of Los Angeles, the Department of Building and Safety handles them. In other cities, ask your city's building department before you start.
Does an older home need extra checks?
70.3% of Los Angeles County housing units were built before 1980, and the median year structure built is 1965 (Census 2020–2024). Check the wall and ledger where the new structure attaches, drainage, and any dry rot or termite damage in old wood. These are things to check, not certainties for every house.
How much does a deck or patio cover cost?
In the City of Los Angeles, the median declared permit valuation was $17,650 for one- and two-family homes over the last 12 months. A declared value is not the full project cost, which is usually higher. A local builder can give you an estimate for your home.
How long does permitting take?
In the City of Los Angeles, the median was 71 days from submission to issue over the last 12 months. Your city may run differently, so ask early.
How do I start?
Tell the builder what you want to build, the city where your home sits, and the year it was built. Check any contractor's license status with the CSLB (Contractors State License Board) before you agree to work.
I own a rental home. Does this still apply?
45.9% of occupied homes in Los Angeles County are owner-occupied, so many homes are rented. If you own a rental, plan the schedule around your tenants and talk with them before work begins.
Recent work by a contractor in our network
Photos from the contractor's own projects, used with permission. Captions name the type of work.
Outdoor kitchen and patio 
Pool and pergola 
Covered patio 
Covered patio dining 
Pool and patio 
Deck with a view
Request a free estimate from a local builder for your project
Tell us about the project. It takes about 30 seconds.
- You send a short request. Project type, ZIP code, timing and how to reach you.
- We match it. A local contractor for your project gets your request. Up to three may contact you, and we email you each one's name.
- You talk about your project. The estimate is free, with no obligation to hire.
Thanks — your request is in.
We're matching your project now. When a contractor takes it, we email you their name and phone number so you know who is calling.
We're matching your project now. A local contractor will call you at the number you gave us to talk about the next step.
Who gets your request
Your local match
Your project · works in Los Angeles County
Matched to your project. We check the project type and ZIP first. Up to three local contractors may contact you, and we email you each one's name.
Service areas
- Los Angeles
- Bel Air
- Brentwood
- Hollywood
- +36 more
Service areas as listed by the contractor ()