Project field guide
Patio
An at-grade paver or concrete patio is one of the more permit-light backyard projects in many cities — until it changes drainage, sits in an easement, or gets a roof.
Permit complexity
Low
Typical band
$8–$40
Unit
per square foot
2026 U.S. typical installed range, gravel to high-end pavers. Estimates, not bids.
Start with two separate questions
Often none for at-grade hardscape. Raised structural slabs, work in easements, and covered patios are the usual triggers.
At-grade patios are often allowed closer to the line than buildings. Don’t block drainage swales.
What usually decides the scope
- At-grade vs. raised
- Impervious coverage limits
- Drainage away from the house
- HOA surface rules
- Adding a cover later
Lot coverage
Some cities cap impervious area. A large patio can bump you over the cap even with no building permit required for the slab itself.
Drainage
Grade should fall away from the foundation — commonly on the order of 1/4 in. per foot for the first several feet. Trapping water against the house is how a simple patio becomes a waterproofing problem.
Use the dimensions, not a guess
Related field notes
Primary sources
What this page was checked against
- Residential Plan Review
City of Austin Development Services · checked 2026-09-02
Used for: Austin residential small-project and plan-review entry points.
- Zoning Search and ZIMAS
Los Angeles City Planning · checked 2026-09-02
Used for: Property-specific zoning and overlay lookup in Los Angeles.
- Producer Price Indexes
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · checked 2026-09-02
Used for: National input-price context; not a local contractor quote.
These sources establish examples and market context; they do not make a city-specific determination for your property.
Requirements vary by jurisdiction and by the specifics of a project. YardPermit publishes educational patterns and labeled estimates — not legal determinations, not construction documents, and not a bid. Verify with your local building department and a licensed contractor before you build.