Do I need council approval for a carport?

Usually, yes. A carport big enough for a car is larger than the small structure exemptions in most states, so most carports need building approval from a certifier, a building surveyor or the council. New South Wales and a few other places have an exempt or low risk path a carport can fit within their limits, while South Australia treats every carport as development that needs approval. The size, the roof, the position and the overlays on the lot decide it.

Why do most carports need approval?

Because of the size, the roof and the position. Most exemptions are written around a garden shed, and a carport for one car is already bigger. Its roof has to resist the wind, which pulls hard on an open structure. It also tends to sit near the street, where the front setback and the look of the street are assessed.

What is the approval called in each state?

In Queensland it is building approval from a private certifier, with the council for overlays and siting variations. New South Wales has exempt development, a complying development certificate or a development application. Victoria asks for a building permit from a building surveyor, plus a planning permit where an overlay calls for one. South Australia needs development approval through the state’s planning portal, and Western Australia a building permit from the local government. Tasmania and the territories have their own terms, and a certifier there can say how yours is treated.

Does it matter if the carport is attached?

Almost always. An attached carport is fixed to the house, its roof meets the house roof or fascia, and the frame of the house carries part of the load, so the connection has to be designed and checked. In most states attaching it takes it outside any exemption a freestanding one might fit. In Western Australia an attached carport always needs a building permit.

Can it go near the boundary or in front of the house?

Within the siting rules, which apply even when a carport is exempt. Several states let an open carport sit nearer a side boundary than a wall of the house, under conditions, and the distance is often measured to the gutter. Nothing may overhang the neighbour’s land. The street is where the rules are tightest, and most exemptions keep a carport behind the front of the house. The post on a carport in front of the house covers that spot.

What does a carport application need?

a site plan with the carport, the front of the house and its distance to each boundary and the street
elevations showing its height above the natural ground
the engineering for the wind class of the lot
the footing details and the roof water connection

A new or wider driveway crossing usually needs the council’s own permit as well.

Reading it for your own lot

RapidSiteplan reads the council and building rules for your lot from its address, checks the design against them as you place it, lets you edit it as often as you like, and prints the site plan. Site plans and assessments in minutes. Place the carport and the sheet gives its distance to every boundary and the street, with the wind class of the lot for the engineering.

Search your address, see what the plan shows for a shed or carport, or read what we hold for Gold Coast. Site plans by council covers the rest of Australia.

Common questions

Do I need council approval for a carport? Usually, yes. Most carports are larger than the small structure exemptions, so they need building approval from a certifier, a building surveyor or the council. A few places have an exempt path, within limits the state sets.

Does a carport need a permit if it is open on every side? Usually, yes. Being open helps with the fire rules near a boundary, but the size and position still decide the approval.

When do I need a carport building permit? Whenever the carport falls outside your state’s exemption, which is most of the time, and nearly always when it is attached to the house.