This may seem like a silly question as you flip through catalogs and browse websites, planning the contents of your precious greenhouse. But more than one homeowner’s plans have been complicated by zoning or permitting requirements.

Only your local building department can tell you for sure whether you need a permit in one form or another. This is normally an agency within the city or county government. Call them and let them know the size and type of structure you are planning on building.

Smaller hobby style greenhouses (under 120 square feet) typically do not require building permits, but it’s a good idea to check anyway. If a permit is required you might also have to provide a certified engineering drawing to building officials before construction can commence. If required we can supply, at an additional charge, certified engineering prints and calculations for most of our greenhouses.

The type of foundation for the structure can also impact whether or not it needs a permit. Typically, if the building is mounted on a lumber or similar foundation it is considered a temporary or portable structure and probably won’t need special permits. If, however, the structure is to be placed on a concrete foundation it is usually considered permanent and may fall under the permitting requirements of such structures.

In any case, it is important that this information be obtained prior to ordering. You alone are responsible for making sure that you are building in accordance with your local codes.

Another consideration is whether or not any neighborhood associations you belong to will allow the construction of such buildings. If you are a member of a neighborhood homeowner’s association you should read your association agreement and speak with the person in charge to determine if such a structure is within the guidelines of the group.

Finally, you may want to read the policy terms in your homeowner’s insurance just to be sure there isn’t something that bars the construction of a building like a greenhouse.