Solid, insulated and lattice aluminum covers
| Cover | Typical installed cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Solid aluminum | $20–$50 per sq ft | Full shade and rain cover |
| Insulated aluminum | $30–$60 per sq ft | Patios against a sunny wall; lights and fans |
| Lattice aluminum | Low end of the solid range | Filtered shade with airflow |
| Custom pergola | $30–$65 per sq ft | Garden settings and vines |
Ranges are national guide figures; the installer's written quote is what counts. See aluminum patio covers and insulated patio covers.
City of Galt permits and inspections
The City of Galt Building Division publishes its own patio cover material: a "Trellis & Patio Cover Information" handout and separate inspection handouts for site-built and pre-manufactured patio covers (all revised July 2022). Ask the installer which inspection sequence applies to the product being quoted.
- Expect a permit for any cover attached to the house, as in the neighboring jurisdictions, and for detached structures over 120 sq ft.
- Listed aluminum systems normally submit the manufacturer's evaluation report; whether Galt accepts it in place of custom engineering should be confirmed with the Building Division.
- Wiring for lights or fans is a separate electrical permit.
For the county-wide picture, including the rules in nearby Elk Grove, see the permit guide.
Winter rain and drainage
The city hosts an annual winter bird festival with the nearby Cosumnes River Preserve, which says a lot about the season: winters here are wet. A solid or insulated roof keeps a patio usable in the wet months; slope it away from the house and route the downspouts to drain off the slab.
Patio Covers in Neighboring Towns
See every town we cover on the service areas page.
Back to the main guide: patio covers in Sacramento.