While pavilions are not normally considered structures in the traditional sense, several county or township rules may apply if you install one to your property. Zoning or HOA laws may limit the length or height of your new pavilion. They may also require you to get approval from your local government before constructing it.
The best way to know for sure is to call your local government department that regulates buildings. They can tell you whether your pavilion meets code requirements and if not, what needs to be done to make it safe and legal.
A pavilion can be used as a shelter, sitting, meeting place, café, theater, or for lectures, events, exhibits, sports, recreation, leisure, work, and a variety of other activities. The choice of materials should consider the nature of the use to which the building will be put. For example, a wooden pavilion can be either a permanent or a temporary structure.
Pavilions come in three main shapes: cylindrical, dome, and octagonal. Cylindrical pavilions are usually made from steel or wood with concrete or clay used for the interior walls. Dome-shaped pavilions are usually made from reinforced concrete with an internal skeleton of steel beams and columns. Octagonal pavilions are shaped like an eight, with two sets of four legs supporting a central hub from which the arms radiate. These structures are often made of wood with concrete floors and ceilings.
Cylindrical, dome, and octagonal pavilions all have one common feature: they all have flat roofs. This means that people can stand on them without any structural support below. Although this is not dangerous if the roof is not too large, it makes these buildings unsuitable for some activities or situations where there might be a risk of falling damage if someone were to climb onto the roof.
The open ceiling of a pergola allows you to view the stacked beams, joists, and slats above. In a town like Shaker Heights or Cleveland Heights, where space is limited, a pergola is an excellent backyard accent. THERE IS A PAVILION In contrast, a pavilion has a roof and, in some cases, a completed ceiling. Thus, it provides more interior space.
The choice between these two outdoor living features depends on how much space you need and what kind of appearance you want to give to your yard. If you plan to use your pergola or pavilion only as a place to sit and enjoy the view, then a pergola will suffice. However, if you also want it for storage or as a shelter from the rain, then a pavilion is the better choice.
Pergolas and pavilions can both be built with wood, but they have different purposes that require certain materials. A pergola is usually made of wood frames covered with vines or other plants. The posts at each end support a horizontal beam called a stringer that runs the length of the structure. Rails are placed on top of the stringers to create a walkway for entering and leaving the enclosure. The open area under the eaves is known as the "nook" and can be used for sitting or growing flowers.
Pavilions are larger and have a roof made of panels attached to wooden posts.