Patios and carports are among the most common backyard applications, and the site plan is the first thing the certifier picks up. Most of what they check on it comes down to four things: the distance to each boundary, how much of the lot ends up under roof, how the structure meets the house, and where the roof water goes.
To check a particular block, type its address into RapidSiteplan: it reads the lot and the rules that apply there and checks the patio or carport you place against them, in minutes.
What do certifiers check on a patio or carport site plan?
- Boundary setbacks. The distance from the new patio or carport to each boundary, measured square-on from the roof edge. Small lots often have siting rules of their own, and the distances have to be on the plan either way.
- Site coverage. Many planning schemes cap how much of the lot can sit under roof. Show the coverage before and after the build and nobody has to ask.
- Attachment. Attached to the dwelling or freestanding? Make it obvious. If it is attached, draw it flush against the house wall.
- Stormwater. Where does the new roof water go? A note like “stormwater connected to existing system” with an arrow is standard practice.
What mistakes hold up a patio or carport application?
Setbacks measured to the wrong point (post centre instead of roof edge), a missing dimension on one side, no north arrow, coverage not stated, a drawing not to scale. Any one of those can bring a request for information, and the assessment waits until it is answered.
Does a patio or carport need building approval?
Usually, but it depends on the state. Some states let a small patio or carport go ahead without building approval when it meets every condition they set, some exempt only an open, unroofed pergola, and South Australia exempts no carport at all. Check with your certifier or council before you order the kit.
What only your address can answer
- where your boundaries run, and how far the house already sits from each one
- whether the lot falls under small-lot siting rules
- how much of the lot is already under roof
- easements, sewer lines and any overlay where the structure goes
- the wind class the frame has to be engineered for
RapidSiteplan reads your own block from its address: the boundaries, the buildings already on it, the rules that apply there and any overlay or easement, and checks what you plan to build against them on a scaled site plan.
The post on carports in front of the house covers the front setback.
Search your address to start. Site plans and assessments in minutes.
Sources: the siting rules a site plan is read against, by state, all read in September 2026: Queensland Housing Code (Qld); State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 (NSW); Building Regulations 2018 (Vic); Planning and Design Code (SA); Residential Design Codes Volume 1 (WA); Tasmanian Planning Scheme, State Planning Provisions (Tas); Planning (Exempt Development) Regulation 2023 (ACT); NT Planning Scheme 2020 (NT).
Common questions
Do I need council approval for a carport? Usually, though it depends on the state. Some states let a small carport go ahead without building approval when it meets every condition they set, and South Australia exempts no carport at any size. Where approval is needed it usually comes from a private certifier, with the council involved for a siting variation or an overlay. Check with your certifier or council before you order the kit.
How close to the boundary can I build a carport? It depends on your state, your zone, the size of the lot and which boundary it is, so there is no single national figure. The siting rules set the distance, and it is measured square-on from the outermost part of the carport, usually the roof edge or gutter rather than the posts. Your certifier confirms which figure applies to your lot.
Can I build a patio without council approval? Sometimes. A small patio or pergola inside every condition of your state’s exemption can usually go ahead without building approval, but the conditions cover its size, height, position and the land, and several states exempt only an open, unroofed pergola. A roofed patio usually needs building approval. Check with your certifier if you are close to any limit.
Read next
Where can I put a shed on my block?Where a shed can go is set by the boundaries, the house, easements and sewer mains, the overlays and the site cover Does it matter if a patio is attached to the house?How fixing it to the house changes the checks Patio and carport site plansWhat the sheet shows for a patioGeneral information only, not building or legal advice, requirements vary by council and change over time; always confirm with your council or certifier.
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How much does a site plan cost in Australia? Land survey plan or site plan: which do you need? Do I need council approval for a shed? Size, height, siting Do I need council approval for a shed or carport? All articles Site plans by council, Australia-wideGet a site plan onlineHave a site plan drawn for you