Residential Patio Covers and Accessory Buildings (Sheds)

The City of Elk Grove adopted Title 23 Zoning Code and California Building Code (CBC) which establishes regulations for the construction of all buildings within this jurisdiction and as such a building permit is required for the following installations:

• Attached Patio Covers, or similar shade structures (i.e., trellises, gazebos, arbors) and Accessory Structures/Sheds of any size if joined to the main house/garage structure.
• Detached Patio Covers or similar shade structures (i.e., trellises, gazebos, arbors) and Accessory Structures/Sheds when in excess of 120 sq. ft. in floor area.

One story Detached Accessory Structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, etc. 120 sq. ft. in floor area or smaller, with not more than 12-inches of overhang extending beyond the exterior wall of the structure do not require a building permit.

Submitted plans shall require review and approval by the City of Elk Grove Planning Division staff to review the Zoning Code restrictions for maximum building coverage allowed, height limitations, property line setbacks and maintenance/public utility easement setback distances.

It is recommended that you contact the Planning Division prior to submittal to confirm that the proposed project meets zoning code requirements. 

The Planning Division can be contacted by phone at (916) 478-2265 or by email.

All plans and supporting documents shall be submitted electronically using the eTrakit online permit portal. To access the portal, you must first register.

Don't have an account?

General public registration

Members of the public can register directly through the site.

Licensed contractor registration 

Licensed contractors must apply for an account through the City. After submitting the Licensed Contractor Registration form, you’ll receive a confirmation email.

Processing takes up to 48 hours.

Once registered, you’ll receive a username and instructions to access the site.

Access the eTrakit Permit Portal

Plan Review Timelines

Allow a minimum of five business days for the first plan review; three business days for any subsequent reviews.

The following provisions shall be considered in your design when building a patio cover:

• One-story structures only.
• Maximum 12 feet in height (refer to the Zoning Code for allowable height requirements).
• Open area of longer wall and one additional wall is at least 65% of the area below a minimum 6’-8” of each wall, measured from the floor.
• Openings may be enclosed with insect screening or plastic that is readily removable translucent or transparent plastic, 0.125 inches in thickness.
  • Exception: operable glass windows or doors are allowed provided the remaining windows in the dwelling - other than the windows being blocked by the enclosed structure - provide minimum natural light and ventilation.
• Structure is used only for recreational, outdoor living purposes and not as carports, garages, storage rooms or habitable rooms.
• Emergency egress windows in bedrooms shall not exit into patio enclosures; these should open directly to the street, public alley, or yard.
• Structure may be supported on a minimum 3-1/2” thick concrete slab on ground without footings, provided that the columns do not support combined dead and code live loads in excess of 750 lbs. per column.

Manufactured Metal Patio Covers
Prequalified engineered metal patio cover/enclosure design system package with industry listings (i.e., I.C.C. ES Evaluation Report numbers) is allowed and requires the appropriate number of copies of the product installation and design specification sheets be submitted with the site plan/cover sheet.

Building fees are based on the square footage and valuation (labor and materials) of the construction work. Please call in advance to determine an exact fee. Application for Permit forms are available online.