Building a Carport - Is It Easy?

As simple explanation of the things you should know BEFORE building a Carport

There are a few steps to take before building a carport like this one

"It's Easy Isn't It? - Surely It Can't Be All That Hard"

That’s a common misconception that leads to problems

Building a carport is not that hard but it can become difficult if you don’t set out with a plan and then understand the limitations of your site and follow the rules and then understand the possibilities applicable to your site accordingly.

That’s a long-winded way of saying ‘be prepared’. In fact, it’s that misconception that it’s "very simple" that brings a lot of people undone because they don’t give it enough thought before jumping in. Let's simplify things for you.

What is a carport?

Firstly, it makes sense to clarify what a carport is, just in case what you are really considering is a garage or something else.

In the Building Code of Australia (BCA), a carport is classified as a Class 10a Building. The legislation defines a carport as a structure primarily used for housing a vehicle that is open on at least two sides and one third of the carport’s total perimeter.

This one might allow the front car to reverse park or leave without moving the rear car

What are the Rules?

The rules are those laid down in the BCA which apply Australia wide and are also set by your local Council which can and do vary from one Council to another.

The Queensland Building Act 1975 also comes into play which sets out maximum height, length, and area etc and also Fire Regulations which can apply if you want to build very close to adjacent buildings or a neighbour, viz. the Boundary.

Variations can apply and will usually depend on the zoning and size of your property. Which Council you are in, the area of your site and its frontage, as well as the zone, will have a bearing. So, right from the start be sure to contact your council and ascertain your property’s zoning. You will also need to ascertain if it’s affected by a sub zone or precinct or if there is a neighbourhood plan in place that can also have a bearing. You can often do this by going online to the Council website.

Do I need building approval – a BA?

The answer is almost always - ‘yes you do' - from your local Council or a licensed building surveyor. You will also be required to pay a lodgement or application fee at the time. In addition to completing the application form you will need to submit both engineered building plans & a Site Plan showing precisely whereabouts on your site [property] you wish to locate your carport.

Rainwater drainage from the driveway could be an issue with this one

Building Relaxations

Most Councils also have a process where you can apply for a “Relaxation”. This is separate to a standard BA and involves paying an additional fee. It will set out the extent of the relaxation & what is involved. These usually, but not always relate to building distances from the front or side boundaries. Your Site plan should clearly show what is involved here.

Other relevant considerations:

There are quite a few of these, some of which you’d be wise or sensible to consider even though they don’t necessarily form part of the legislation, whereas there are considerations that do form part of the legislation.

We’ll briefly list some here however we have published a more comprehensive E Book outlining what these are which you are free to download with our compliments.

• Maximum Height, width, length, and minimum setbacks from boundaries all contained in the BCA & Council bylaws for your zone. It’s important to know that they can vary. Your designer can advise.

• Roof Water – that is stormwater disposal. Don’t forget about this. Even if it’s not regulated whereas it often is, you certainly don’t need to create a muddy mess in your garden.

• Adjoining owners – Neighbours – it’s recommended to consult with your neighbours. New construction of any scale around existing buildings may affect them and it is better to not have any dispute later. Keep them onside; you may need their support later.

• Building on the boundary - You cannot build right to your property side boundaries due to fire regulations and other considerations. It may be possible to gain relaxations &/or town planning consent to do so but that’s not automatic. You will also need a Boundary Identification Survey to do this.

There's a lot more than you think when it comes to building a carport

E Book: if you’d like a complimentary copy of our E Book just click this link.