Many local governments require a permit to install a carport. Here’s how to find out what is required in your area.
Check CC&Rs
Does your local community allow carports? If you live in a rural area, you are usually free to build what you want on your own land. But if you live in a subdivision, there may be Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that limit what you can build on your land.
If you are part of a Homeowners Association (HOA), ask if they allow detached metal carports. If you don’t belong to an HOA, but you are in a subdivision, you can look through the papers you signed when you bought your house and see if there are CC&Rs that say anything about detached buildings. If so, review those rules.
Check Government Regulations
Your local planning department can tell you the zoning rules for your property. These rules and regulations govern the size, height, and location of any structure you add to your property. They include setback requirements, which dictate how much distance you’ll need between property lines and your new carport.
You might be able to find all the rules online by yourself—but it could take several hours to find and read through all of the complicated zoning and building codes.
It’s much faster to call the planning department and ask the specific questions that I’ll provide below.
Before you call, be sure to have this information ready:
- Your address
- The length and width of your future carport
- An idea for where you want to put your carport on your property
Next, you need to find the right phone number to call:
- If you live in a town or city, do an internet search for your town or city’s planning department.
- If you live outside of a town, search for the county’s planning department.
Your local planning department may be called a:
- Land Use and Development Office
- Zoning Department
- Building and Planning Division
- Or something similar
For example, I did a search for “Page County VA planning department,” and I found results for a “Planning Commission,” “Planning & Community Development,” and a “Zoning Office.” The phone number was the same for all of them. Even if you call the wrong number, the person who answers the phone will probably be able to give you the right number to call.
A List of Questions to Ask the Planning Department (Have These Handy When You Call):
Is my property in your jurisdiction?
How far does the carport need to be from the front, back, and sides of the property?
How far away does the carport need to be from the house?
(If you plan to put it in front of your house) Can I put it in front of my house?
(If you have a well or septic tank) How far does the carport need to be from the well and septic areas?
(If you’re building a tall carport) Is there a height limit?
Are there any color or style restrictions for detached carports?
What permits and inspections are required for installing a carport?
What department is responsible for issuing permits? (If it’s a different department, ask for the phone number.)
If a permit is required, here are the questions to ask the department that issues building permits:
How long does it take to get a permit?
Are certified plans required for the permit?
What are the requirements for the foundation?
Are there any wind-gust or snow-load certification requirements?
How much does the permit cost?
Is there an online application?
Make sure to write down all the information you learn because you’ll need it later. There are a few more steps you’ll need to complete before you’ll be ready to apply for a permit.
In the next chapter, I’ll show you how to use the information you’ve gathered to plan your site.
