On Wed, 18 Jul 2012 05:13:46 -0700 (PDT), "
wrote:

Have you tried googling for online beam load
calcualtors? I've seen them. I find it interesting that
there are municipalities where they will approve something
that is structural like this without an architect or engineer
signing off on it. I mean I don't know that there is a
specific code that just says for X porch you need Y
beam. It would seem an architect or engineer would
have to do the load analysis and make that decision.
And it just seems odd that a local code official wants
to be in the position of engineer of record for free for
someone's building project.

In Nevada a home owner can act as their own contractor.

I submitted a rough drawing with dimensions and the permit office gave
me detailed drawings for footers, determined beam size, roof pitch,
etc., based on having Spanish roofing tiles. Granted this was just a
patio cover with some electrical work -- finished stucco. An
architect in the permit reviewed what I "'wanted to build". Then
issued the permit. Very helpful.

A friend and I completed the work. He is experienced in construction
more than I am (or will be) and was a great help. Saved plenty of
money this way.