Patio Covers, Pergolas & Decks in Highlands Ranch, CO

Highlands Ranch projects require Highlands Ranch Community Association architectural review in addition to Douglas County permits. We handle both, and we design patio covers, pergolas, screen rooms, and decks that meet community standards and stand up to Colorado weather.

Building a Patio Cover, Pergola or Deck in Highlands Ranch: What to Know

Highlands Ranch is unincorporated Douglas County, so permits come from the Douglas County Building Division through its online Building Services portal. The county adopted the 2024 International Codes effective July 1, 2026. Ground and roof snow loads are the same and can't be reduced: 30 psf from 5,152 to 5,999 feet and 35 psf from 6,000 to 6,499 feet. Frost depth is 36 inches and wind is 115 mph below 7,000 feet.

When you need a permit:

  • Decks and patio covers: both need a building permit.
  • Pergolas: detached, freestanding pergolas up to 200 sq ft are exempt if they aren't designed to carry a uniform snow load. Exempt work still has to meet zoning.

HRCA approval comes first. All exterior home improvements in Highlands Ranch need approval from the Highlands Ranch Community Association's Architectural Review Committee, which has 30 days to decide. Douglas County also asks for that HOA approval letter with a patio cover permit; without it, the permit is held for 10 working days. We prepare the drawings and specs for your HRCA application.

Contractors must register with Douglas County before applying for permits. Confirm current requirements with the county before you build.

Denver

Lakewood

Littleton

Centennial

Highlands Ranch

Aurora

Arvada

Westminster

Thornton

Parker

Castle Rock

Lone Tree

Englewood

Greenwood Village

Cherry Hills Village

Golden

Wheat Ridge

Evergreen

Conifer

Ken Caryl

Broomfield

Northglenn

Brighton

Boulder

Louisville

Erie

Commerce City

Built for Colorado's Climate, Permitted for Your City.

Colorado's intense UV, heavy spring snow loads, hail, and rapid freeze-thaw cycles demand structures engineered specifically for the Front Range. Our patio covers, pergolas, screen rooms, and decks are built with materials and fastening methods rated for these conditions, so your outdoor shade structure holds up season after season.

Each municipality, from Denver to Aurora, Arvada, Westminster, Thornton, Lakewood, Littleton, Centennial, and Highlands Ranch, has its own permitting rules, setback requirements, and HOA design standards. Our team handles the paperwork and inspections so homeowners don't have to navigate it alone.

Confirm We Serve Your Neighborhood.

Not sure if your address falls within our service area? Give us a call, our team will confirm availability and answer any questions about scheduling a free in-home consultation.