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Define “Gazebo”, Please…

November 11th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Image by Martin LaBar via FlickrThis was an article that caught my eye…the village fathers of Flossmoor IL (USA) are writing regulations that explicitly define a gazebo for residential zoning purposes. Seems that the popularity of gazebos among locals has spurred some to build large and rather elaborate structures that the village board considers to be far beyond their definition.

One was a 1,200-square-foot roofed structure that would be used for roller skating. Another was a $9,000, 20-foot-by-15-foot enclosed structure with marble flooring and a hot tub, requiring electrical work.

It appears the Flossmoor village board wants to curtail the construction of what they seem to consider as oversized house additions; or small independent dwellings. The original zoning regs didn’t say exactly what a gazebo was.

The board ended up approving an amendment to its zoning ordinance that defines a gazebo as not exceeding 150 square feet, not containing enclosed areas, sleeping facilities, kitchens, bathrooms or water service.

It also needs to be a free-standing, roofed, open air structure with more than four sides. The structure may be enclosed for decorative or design purposes up to four feet above floor level.

The owners of the $9000 hot tub gazebo are protesting a recent stop work order on their gazebo. They state that the gazebo has been in their yard since 2003. They started doing repairs on it this year because it was damaged by a falling tree. Seems they’ve been cited for a few code violations since starting repairs. It’s not entirely clear from this story whether the village approved the initial 2003 construction to begin with. The village mayor says no decisions have been made regarding any existing structures.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Always check and doublecheck your local zoning regulations before building or repairing any gazebo in your yard. And know that sometimes zoning regs can change; and you need to be aware of those changes before doing any extensive repairs/renovation. Lastly, make sure you and/or your builder actually comply with the local building codes while constructing your gazebo. Don’t tick off the building inspectors!

We wrote a bit about the general definition and history of gazebos a while back. Many people today are using gazebos for not just recreation, but as pool changing houses, outdoor family rooms, even home offices. Nowdays it’s not uncommon for gazebos to be wired for the addition of fans, lights, or hot tubs and spas (which require drainage and perhaps plumbing). What do you think about the town’s gazebo definition - and their decision?

Coming to Terms With Gazebos - SouthtownStar.com

Build A Gazebo With This Step-by-Step Guide

June 23rd, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Building The Perfect Gazebo: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
by David Schiff

Do you want to build a gazebo? This paperback book will lead you step-by-step through the process of how to build a gazebo.  There are 161 picture-filled pages that illustrate all aspects of gazebo construction.

Each chapter hones in on a particular aspect of gazebo building, explaining how to choose the style; pick a site; select materials; lay out the gazebo; erect and install floors and posts; make railings; assemble the roof; and much more. Then, in meticulous detail, the manual follows the building of one gazebo from start to finish. The beautiful photographs showcase a variety of styles, while sidebars feature images of innovative details.

If you’ve been thinking and dreaming about building a gazebo, look no further. You can build a gazebo that’s the envy of your neighborhood with this great book. Host lavish parties and elegant get-togethers in your new gazebo. Watch the looks of surprise (and envy!) on your friends’ faces when you tell them you built it yourself.

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