If you’re designing shade structures for California schools, DSA can feel like it forces one solution: DSA Pre-Checked (PC) plans. That assumption is common, but it’s not the full picture.

There are two practical routes for DSA shade structures:

• PC (Pre-Checked) models: standardized and repeatable
• Custom/Site Specific Designs: engineered to the exact campus conditions

Both are “DSA-friendly.” The main difference is how the structure is engineered, the design phase timeline, and if you want to create a commercial custom shade structure to fit the unique site conditions. 

What a PC DSA Shade Structure Really Is

A DSA PC set is a pre-engineered package designed to meet minimum code requirements using conservative assumptions so it can work in almost all locations with no redesign.

Think of PC as plug-and-play:

• You pick from established commercial shade structure model options
• Details (connections, member sizes, geometry) are already standardized
• The design basis typically assumes broad or worst-case conditions
• Has limited flexibility to fit site constraints

Learn more about commercial shade installation.

Why PC is Popular

• Fast selection: you’re choosing, not designing from scratch
• Repeatable across campuses: consistent structures district-wide
• Predictable detailing: standardized framing and connections reduce surprises
• Good default solution: works well for typical, open sites

The Tradeoff

The PC route is intentionally cookie-cutter. Because it’s made to be broadly applicable, it often leans conservative—especially in areas like foundations and member sizing—since it’s designed around code minimums rather than your specific site.

While PC commercial shade structure models are pre-engineered conservatively for minimum code requirements, it is important to note that they can be adjusted slightly within limitations if necessary. 

Explore Zoom's DSA PC shade models.

Case Example: Colton Joint Unified School District 

In Riverside , Colton Joint Unified School District needed to install commercial shade structures for their lunch areas before summer’s end. Due to the straightforward site layout and aggressive timeline, we decided to provide four DSA pre-checked single-cantilever shade structures.

The approval process with the architect was quick and easy. Manufacturing took less than eight weeks for this style of shade, which features a 20' × 20' canopy supported by a single post. Even better, the post is cantilevered to the side, allowing plenty of room for lunch tables to be placed under the canopy. 

Learn more about Colton Joint Unified's DSA shade project.

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What “Site-Specific/Custom Design” Commercial DSA Shade Structure Actually Means

A site-specific custom shade structure is engineered for the actual conditions of the campus rather than code minimums.

The key term is site-specific:

• Column locations are coordinated to the real layout
• Footings can often be reduced in size to save costs  (geotech reports)
• Geometry and coverage can be shaped around use zones and circulation
• Aesthetic intent is fully flexible (you choose the shade form, not a template)

Learn more about DSA shade installation.

What You Get With Custom

• Design freedom: canopy shape, layout, coverage, architectural alignment
• Lower Costs: Site specific designs tend to have smaller foundation and member sizes
• Better coordination: design around utilities, existing improvements, and constraints
• Constructability improvements: fewer field conflicts when layout is coordinated early
• Engineered drawings with stamps: typically ~6 weeks for the stamped drawing package

The Tradeoff

Custom requires a defined design window and coordination up front. It’s not “hard”—it just needs to be planned into the schedule.

Case Example: Sweetwater Unified School District

In San Diego, Sweetwater Unified School District had a unique amphitheater staircase area that needed a new shade structure. Their existing shade was outdated, and no PC-approved (pre-checked) structure fit this specialized layout.

We collaborated with the architect, Mosher Drew, to design a custom cantilevered sail shade tailored exactly to the amphitheater’s site conditions. Opting for a custom DSA-approved route allowed full creative control—perfectly matching the exact shape, foundation needs, and soil conditions.

Though custom engineering and DSA review required a few extra months, the result was a cost-effective, site-specific solution. In the end, the district gained a tailored design, reducing long-term costs and delivering a perfect fit for their unique space.

The Misconception We See Most: “DSA Means PC Only”

Many clients treat PCs as the only safe option for commercial DSA Shade Structures. In practice, custom is straightforward when it’s scheduled correctly, because it’s simply an engineered, stamped package that can be submitted with the plan set. 

So the real question usually isn’t “Can we do custom?”
It’s: Do we have enough time in the design phase?

Learn More About Commercial DSA Shade Structures in California.