A carport is a great investment that provides protective shelter for your vehicles and greater peace of mind for you. But you might be wondering: Do you need a permit for a carport installation on your property? If so, that’s a great question—and this guide is here to help you get answers.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the importance of building permits for carports and how to quickly find out if you need one.
- Find out how you might avoid needing a carport building permit because of size limitations and structure permanence.
- Know the potential risks of building a carport without proper authorization.
- Learn the steps to obtaining a carport permit to build or install a carport on your property.
Please note: This guide provides general information only. Each state, county, town, and city may have unique building permit requirements, so you will need to check with your local government authority for the exact requirements for building a carport in your location (see the tips below to learn how to find the right authority to contact).
Tip #1: The Fastest Way to Find Out if You Need a Carport Permit
In many areas, installing a carport is considered a construction project that requires a building permit. Building permits are official documents issued by local government authorities that certify the approval of your construction project.
Local regulations may determine a carport’s materials, size, and placement on a property to ensure it doesn’t pose any safety risks or violate any zoning laws. A building permit will confirm that your carport meets regulatory safety standards and adheres to local building codes.
Do you need a permit for a carport? There’s one sure way to know.
Different states, cities, and counties have their own rules, requirements, and fees regarding carport building permits. That’s why there is no universal answer to the question “Do I need a permit to build a carport?” Depending on where you live, you may or may not need a building permit to build or install a carport on your property.
However, finding out if you need a building permit for a carport in the area where you live is simple. You’ll just need to contact your local government agency responsible for issuing permits. Here are some suggestions for how to get a quick answer:
- Do an internet search for your city’s building and permits department or its planning and development department and contact one of those offices.
- Call your city hall or county administration office and ask them to connect you to the department that issues building permits.
Be prepared to talk with your local building authority about the material (wood, metal, etc.) and the size of the carport you want to build or install so they can best help you. Also, be sure to discuss whether your carport will be attached to your home or freestanding on your property. You can ask them direct questions like, “Do I need a permit for a freestanding carport?” or “Do I need a permit for a metal carport?” to help inform the conversation and get specific answers.
But first, read the next tip to find out why you may not need a building permit at all.
Tip #2: How You Might Avoid Needing a Carport Permit
Did you know you may not need a building permit for your freestanding carport or attached carport, depending on its size and whether it’s a temporary or permanent structure? In many areas, there are specific size thresholds and other factors that determine whether a building permit is required for a carport.
Of course, these factors will vary based on local regulations. It’s crucial to confirm with your local building authorities whether your planned carport installation is exempt from permitting or not. The main factors to consider include:
Lot Size
In certain areas, depending on your lot size, smaller carports may be exempt from permitting requirements, while larger structures may require a permit. Contact your local zoning and/or building department to determine the specific carport size thresholds for your lot size.
Height Restrictions
Height restrictions are also important in determining the size limitations for building a carport without a permit. In some areas, structures that are less than a certain height don’t require a permit, so you may find you don’t need one. However, if your planned carport’s height does require you to get a permit, you may face restrictions in making it too tall.
Local regulations may impose limits on how tall a carport can be, especially if it’s near residential properties or in a historic district. Height restrictions are typically in place to maintain the visual appeal of the neighborhood and prevent obstruction of views.
Setback Requirements
Setback requirements refer to the distance that a structure must be positioned from property lines, roads, and other structures. These requirements ensure that there is adequate space for emergency access and maintenance—and can help prevent potential conflicts with neighboring properties.
Setback requirements can influence the size limitations for building a carport without a permit. However, even if a permit is not required to build your carport, you may need a variance (an exception to the normal rules) if you want to build it closer to a property boundary than is normally allowed.
Structure Permanence
Depending on whether your carport is going to be a temporary structure or a permanent one, you may or may not need a building permit for it. For example, a portable carport may not require a building permit. As always, check with your local building authority and make sure you understand how they define temporary and permanent structures.
Tip #3: 9 Risks and Consequences of Building a Carport without a Permit
While some people may be tempted to bypass the permitting process to save time and money, building a carport without a permit can have serious consequences. Following are nine risks you may face if you decide to build a carport without proper authorization:
Risk #1 without a Carport Permit: Legal Consequences
You could face fines, penalties, or legal action for non-compliance with local building codes.
Risk #2 without a Carport Permit: Safety Concerns
There may be structural safety issues that could endanger you and your property or even a neighbor’s property.
Risk #3 without a Carport Permit: Insurance Issues
Insurance companies may not cover carports built without permits and may deny claims arising from them.
Risk #4 without a Carport Permit: Property Resale Problems
When selling your property, not having permits for structures such as carports may deter buyers and complicate the sale process.
Risk #5 without a Carport Permit: Neighbor Complaints
Unauthorized structures can lead to disputes with neighbors, who may report your illegal carport construction to authorities.
Risk #6 without a Carport Permit: Retrofitting Costs
Authorities who find out about your unauthorized carport may require you to bring it up to code, which can be costly.
Risk #7 without a Carport Permit: Limited Use
You might be restricted in how you use your carport, as it may not be officially recognized for certain functions.
Risk #8 without a Carport Permit: Future Remodeling Issues
Any future renovations or expansions of your carport might be more complicated because prior unauthorized work needs to be addressed first.
Risk #9 without a Carport Permit: Demolition and Loss of Investment
If your carport is deemed illegal, you may have to dismantle and remove it entirely, resulting in a total loss of your investment plus demolition costs.
Tip #4: The Proper Steps for Obtaining a Carport Building Permit
Once you’ve determined that you need a carport permit, the next step is applying for one. Keep in mind that to be granted a building permit for your carport, you will need to follow your local government’s specific building permit requirements, guidelines, and regulations. While permitting processes vary, here are some general steps and recommendations:
Step 1: Ask about Local Building Codes
Call or visit your local building department’s office to find out the specific requirements for carports in your area. They may also have a website where you can research this information. In addition, an online code library may have building code information for your area which you can then confirm with your local building department.
It’s critical to understand the local zoning laws, building codes, and regulations as these will dictate your carport’s size, placement, and construction standards.
Step 2: Plan and Design Your Carport
Create a design for a carport you plan to build from scratch or, if you’re buying a carport to be built or installed for you, obtain pre-made plans from the seller. Ensure that the design adheres to local building codes and suits your property layout.
Step 3: Prepare Documentation
Gather the necessary documents for your building permit application. Typically, you will need a detailed site plan showing where your carport will be located and how far it will be away from property lines and other structures, along with architectural drawings, blueprints, or plans, and any other required documentation specified.
Step 4: Fill out the Application Form
Complete the online or printed building permit application form provided by your local building authorities. Provide accurate and detailed information about your planned carport, including its dimensions, materials, and intended use.
Step 5: Submit Your Application and Pay the Fees
Submit your completed application form along with the required documents to your local building department. Be sure to pay any applicable fees.
Step 6: Wait for Your Application Review
The building permits department will review your application and supporting documents to ensure that they comply with local building codes and regulations. They may request additional information or modifications to the plans.
Step 7: Receive Your Permit to Start Building
Once your application is approved and your plans meet all requirements, you will be issued a building permit to proceed with your carport’s construction.
Step 8: Construct Your Carport and Complete Inspections
Begin construction, strictly following your carport’s approved plans. Any deviation may require revisions to your permit. Your local building authorities may also conduct inspections during or after construction to verify compliance.
Benefits of Having a Carport Permit
We’ve covered quite a bit in these carport permit tips. Now let’s recap some of the key benefits of getting a permit to build a carport should your local regulations require it.
It Shows You’re a Responsible Community Member and Property Owner
By obtaining a building permit for your carport, you demonstrate your commitment to following building codes and safety regulations around concerns such as structural stability, fire safety, and environmental impact. You’re contributing to a safer community and setting a good example, which everyone can appreciate.
You’ll Have Greater Peace of Mind If You Decide to Sell
Adhering to local regulations also provides peace of mind when it comes time to sell your property. Potential buyers may request documentation to verify that all structures on the property were built with proper permits—and you’ll have that to show.
You Can Prevent Potential Conflicts Down the Road
A building permit confirms that your carport is compliant with setback requirements, height restrictions, and other regulations. This can prevent potential conflicts with neighbors, homeowner’s associations, and local government authorities.
How to Save Money on a New Metal Freestanding Carport That Meets Building Codes
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