Deck and patio builders in the City of Los Angeles
Decks, patio covers and pergolas in Los Angeles
LADBS issued 892 permits in the last 12 months for decks, patio covers and pergolas; the median wait from submission to issue was 71 days for one- or two-family homes.
Los Angeles at a glance
- Deck, patio cover and pergola permits issued in the City of Los Angeles, last 12 months, all property types
- 892 permits
- Share of those permits on one- or two-family homes, City of Los Angeles, last 12 months
- 94.5%
- Median declared permit valuation, one- or two-family homes, City of Los Angeles, last 12 months
- $17,650
LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org) · data as of
- Numbers from LADBS public records
- Up to three local contractors, never a long list
- Free, no obligation
A useful first step
Before you start in Los Angeles
Confirm whether your scope needs plan check or an express permit.
What to prepare
LADBS offers express permits for some simpler work. Larger or more complex changes can require plan review. Describe the actual work, including structural, electrical and plumbing changes, when asking the department which route applies.
LADBS contractor guide · Checked
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. 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.
City of Los Angeles permit figures for decks, patio covers and pergolas
City of Los Angeles permit figures for decks, patio covers and pergolas
Local numbers for Los Angeles, each with its source and date.
- Median days from submission to issue, one- or two-family homes, City of Los Angeles, last 12 months1
- 71 days
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 880 |
| 2021 | 991 |
| 2022 | 1,171 |
| 2023 | 1,000 |
| 2024 | 1,018 |
| 2025 | 1,038 |
Source: LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org), full calendar years, fire rebuilds excluded, data as of .
What the permit valuation shows
| Project | Figure | Range on a shared scale |
|---|---|---|
| Median declared permit valuation, City of Los Angeles, last 12 monthsA declared value on a building permit, not the full project cost. It is usually below what the project costs, so ask for an estimate for your home. | $17,650 |
Bars share one scale, from $0 to $17,650.
The table shows one figure: the median declared permit valuation on City of Los Angeles building permits for one- or two-family homes over the last 12 months. It is the value the applicant declared to the city, not a contract price, and it is usually below the real project cost, which includes design, materials, finishes and work not on the permit. Get an estimate for your home to know your number.
The typical path for a deck, patio cover or pergola in Los Angeles
The typical path for a deck, patio cover or pergola in Los Angeles
Decide what you want to build
Start with the outcome you want: a deck for open outdoor space, a patio cover for shade and rain, or a pergola for partial shade and a frame for plants.
Check setbacks and what your lot allows
Your lot, setbacks and property lines decide where a structure can go. Check these early, and confirm the rules for your address with the builder or the city.
Draw up the design and plans
A builder or designer turns your idea into plans with size, materials and layout that the city can review.
Apply for a permit where needed
Many projects need a permit from LADBS before work starts. Ask the builder whether your project needs one and who files it.
Build footings and framing with inspections
Footings and framing are usually checked by inspectors at set stages before the work is covered up.
Add the finishes
Decking, roofing, railings, paint or stain and other finishes are added once the structure passes its checks.
Pass the final inspection
Once the work is complete, a final inspection confirms it matches the approved plans.
Common questions about decks and patios in Los Angeles
Do I need a permit for a deck or patio cover in the City of Los Angeles?
Often yes, but it depends on the size, height and position of the project on your lot, and the city makes the final call. Confirm with the builder or LADBS before you build.
How long do permits take?
LADBS data shows a median of 71 days from submission to issue for one- or two-family homes over the last 12 months. Your own timing depends on the plans, corrections and the city's review, so the builder can tell you what to expect.
What does the permit valuation tell you about cost?
The median declared permit valuation was $17,650 for one- or two-family homes over the last 12 months. It is the value declared on the permit, not a contract price, and real costs are usually higher. An estimate for your home is the way to know.
Deck, patio cover or pergola: which should I choose?
A deck is a raised platform, a patio cover is a roof structure over an outdoor space, and a pergola is an open-roof frame for shade. The right choice depends on how you plan to use the space and what your lot allows.
How do I start a project?
Describe what you want, your yard and any photos or sketches. Send the request to a local builder for a free, no-obligation estimate. You can also check any contractor's license status with the CSLB.
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
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Works in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles
- Bel Air
- Brentwood
- Hollywood
- +36 more
Service areas as listed by the contractor ()