Wood, aluminum and insulated covers by home age
Victorian and early homes
Many historic homes near downtown have been restored, and the annual Stroll Through History has showcased Victorian homes since 1989. On these houses a site-framed wood patio cover or an open pergola that matches the trim usually looks right; plans list lumber species and grade.
Newer east-side subdivisions
Subdivisions built mainly on the east side of town take attached aluminum covers well. Insulated panels suit west-facing patios; typical installed cost runs $30 to $60 per sq ft against $20 to $50 for solid aluminum. See insulated patio covers.
City of Woodland patio cover rules
Woodland's handout (Municipal Code §17.64.020.E) defines a patio cover as a structure open on at least three sides with a solid or lattice roof, and the definition also covers sunshades, gazebos, carports and porches. Enclosing one turns it into a room addition with different requirements.
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Design Review Permit (Planning) | Patio covers of 120 sq ft or larger |
| Building Permit | 120 sq ft or larger, any electrical work, or attached to an existing structure |
| Front and street-side setback | Same as the base zone's building setback |
| Interior side and rear setback | 5 ft minimum from the nearest post when under 11 ft tall; +1 ft for each foot of height over 10 ft |
| Lot coverage | Main house plus accessory structures no more than 50% of the lot, unless the zone allows more |
| Easements | No encroachment into recorded public utility easements |
Community Development is at 300 First Street, (530) 661-5820, and the city asks homeowners to talk with staff before building. The plot plan must show setbacks to each property line, distance to the house for a detached cover, and distance to pools or other structures.
Valley heat and City of Trees shade
July highs average about 94°F, and the rainy season runs October through April, so a cover here has to handle both. Woodland calls itself the "City of Trees", with valley oaks the main native street tree; leaf drop fills gutters and lattice, so plan a cleaning routine.
Neighboring Yolo County rules
Davis and West Sacramento run their own building divisions with different setback rules; West Sacramento, for example, keeps covered patios 10 ft off the rear line.
Patio Covers in Neighboring Towns
See every town we cover on the service areas page.
Back to the main guide: patio covers in Sacramento.