The Potential Legal Restraint To Consider Before Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen

There are many benefits to investing in a custom outdoor kitchen installation. An outdoor kitchen can function as a seamless extension of your home's interior cooking and dining spaces, making it easier to cook outdoors and entertain guests. A well-designed outdoor kitchen can keep heat, smoke, and bad kitchen odors out of your home. Plus, some food just tastes better when cooked outside on a grill. However, before you start picking out the perfect spot for your new grill, you should find out if you need a permit to build your outdoor kitchen space.

For some insight into the permitting process for outdoor kitchens, we spoke with Michael Hidalgo, director of BBQGuys PRO Sales. "Whether or not you need a permit for an outdoor kitchen depends largely on the scope of the project and local regulations," he says. Because an outdoor kitchen installation may involve plumbing and electrical work, you may be required to get an inspection and permit. If you're not sure if you need a permit for your next renovation project, it's best to talk to your contractor or contact your local building and permitting department yourself.

Some jurisdictions do require homeowners to schedule an inspection and secure a permit when building specific outdoor structures or additions to their homes. Not getting the proper inspections and permits could result in fines or fees, legal and financial liability, violation of home warranties or insurance policies, or an increased risk of safety hazards.

The only way to know for sure if you need a permit to install an outdoor kitchen or make any other major kitchen renovations is to contact your city or state's building and permitting department. As Hidalgo notes, "Requirements can vary significantly from state to state, and even between municipalities, so it's essential for homeowners to check with their local building department before beginning any work." Finding the information you need can be confusing, unfortunately. Permitting can be handled on the state, city, or county level, and there are thousands of different building permit jurisdictions across the United States.

Understanding what specific installations and upgrades need a permit is also confusing. Some jurisdictions might make you get a permit just to install an outdoor pizza oven or built-in barbecue grill, but not to build a floating deck. If you aren't sure who to contact to find out if you need a permit or how to request one, it may help to work with your builder or contractor. The National Association of Home Builders also has a directory of home builders associations in each state that may be able to provide resources or guidance. Consider consulting with an attorney if you really want to make sure you're protected.