What can I build?

Carports can be attached to a dwelling or freestanding and can be constructed from steel and/or timber.

Generally, in a residential zone:

• Carports less than 9m in length are required to have a 1m setback from a side and rear boundary
• Carports over 9m in length are required to have a 1.5m setback from a side or rear boundary
• Carports on a secondary street boundary require a 1.5m setback regardless of the length of the structure
• Carports attached or detached to a dwelling are included in the front 6m average calculation

Do I need a building permit?

The Building Regulations 2012 states that construction, erection, assembly or placement of a freestanding carport with a floor area of 10m² or less and an overall height of no more than 2.4m does not require a Building Permit.

As a typical carport is generally larger than 10m² it will require a building permit prior to construction.  All carports that are attached to another structure require a Building Permit, regardless of its size or height. 

How long does it take to get a building permit for a carport?

The Building Act 2011 sets time frames in which the City has to assess and determine an application for a Building Permit. The applicable timeframe depends on whether the building application is uncertified or certified.

It is important that you are aware of allowed time frames prior to lodging your application and that your application documentation is complete.

Should further information be required by the City in order to assess the building application, the applicant may be given up to 21 calendar days in which to provide the outstanding information. If the information is not received within the 21 days, the application may be refused unless a mutual consent has been granted for a further 21 days.

Uncertified Building Applications (BA2)

An uncertified Building Application can be submitted for Class 10 structures such as a carport.

The City has up to 25 business days from the date of lodgement to assess the application and issue a Building Permit. The required Certificate of Design Compliance will be issued by the City as part of the application process.

Certified Building Applications (BA1)

A Certified Building Application can be submitted for all classes of structures.

Prior to lodging a Certified Building Application to the City, a private Building Surveying Practitioner would need to be engaged to issue a Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3).

The City has up to 10 business days from the date of lodgement to assess the application and issue a Building Permit.

How long until my permit expires?

A Building Permit is generally valid for two years from the date on which it was granted. If more time is required to complete the building works, you can apply for an extension of time of up to a further six months by making a formal application and paying the prescribed fee.

What happens when I have completed my building works?

The nominated builder on the Building Permit must submit a Notice of Completion BA7 form to the City within seven days of completing the prescribed building works. 

Can I add a roller/tilt door to my existing carport?

Generally yes, however the caport will need to be assessed by a structural enginner to see if it can support a roller or tilt door.

A building permit will be required to approve the addition of the roller/tilt door to make certain it will be safe structurally.  This is because this roller is considered to impose loading that the carport may not have been designed to support.