Engineering & Permitting
Subject: The Engineering Behind Your Structure
Hi [First Name],
One of the questions we hear most often is about engineering and permits — what is included, what is required, and who handles what. The short answer: we handle the engineering. You handle the local permit. And we give you everything you need to make that process straightforward.
The Essentials
Engineered, Stamped, and Ready to Submit
Every kit ships with a full set of stamped structural engineering plans tailored to your structure’s design and adjusted for the load requirements of your specific location — snow, wind, and seismic.
This is included with every kit. You do not pay separately for engineering, and you do not need to hire your own structural engineer.
Most municipalities require a building permit for an outdoor structure. The engineering package we provide is designed to give your local building department what they need to approve the project. In most cases, our plans are accepted as submitted.
We Handle
- Custom structural engineering for your kit
- Stamped plans ready for permit submission
- Load calculations (snow, wind, seismic)
- Responding to building department questions
You Handle
- Submitting the permit application locally
- Paying any local permit fees
- Scheduling inspections with your building department
- Any site-specific requirements (property line setbacks, HOA approval)
The engineering behind your structure is tailored to where it will stand, ensuring it is designed for the specific demands of your site rather than a one-size-fits-all standard.
Before You Start
Questions for Your Building Department
A quick call to your local building department before you start can save time and set expectations:
Do I need a permit for an outdoor structure on my property? Most jurisdictions say yes for roofed structures.
What documents do you need? Stamped engineering plans are typically the primary requirement.
Are there setback or height restrictions? How far from property lines and how tall the structure can be.
Do I need HOA approval? If applicable, this is often a separate process from the building permit.
If your building department has questions about the engineering, let us know. We work with building departments across the country and are happy to speak with them directly.
You are not figuring this out alone. We have done this over 7,000 times. If you have questions about the engineering or permitting process for your specific location, we’re here to walk you through it. Every project is different, and I’d be happy to help you understand what to expect for yours.
Looking forward to helping you create a space you’ll love for years to come,
[Name]
Western Timber Frame
[Phone] | [Email] | westerntimberframe.com
Western Timber Frame, Inc.
2026 U.S. Small Business Administration
Utah Manufacturing Small Business of the Year
