Carport permits

What counts as a carport?

A carport is a roofed structure for parking a vehicle that is open on two or more sides. It can be freestanding or attached to the house. Once it has walls and a door on all sides, it is a garage, which is assessed differently.

When it needs a permit

In Victoria, a carport generally needs a building permit. The small-building exemption in Schedule 3 of the Building Regulations 2018 only covers very small freestanding structures, and a typical carport is well over its size limit. See permits in Victoria.

In Queensland, a carport needs building approval from a certifier unless it is small enough to be accepted building work, which typical carports are not. Brisbane City Council, for example, states that a carport on a property with an existing house needs building approval. See approvals in Queensland and our guide to carport approval in Queensland.

Problems we see most often

In front of the house. The front setback is the most common issue. Many blocks have room for a carport only in the driveway beside or in front of the house, and the front setback rules decide whether that is allowed without council consent or planning approval.

Along the side boundary. Carports often sit hard against a side fence. Both states allow this within limits on height and length along the boundary, and the total length counts other structures on the same boundary, such as an existing garage.

Near a neighbour's window. In Queensland, a class 10a structure inside the boundary clearance generally needs to stay a set distance from a habitable room window on the neighbouring lot.

Overlays. Heritage and character overlays often control carports visible from the street.

Wind ratings. A carport roof acts like a sail. Make sure the engineering is for your site's wind classification, which matters especially in parts of Queensland.

Before you buy a carport kit

• Measure the space. Note the distance to the side fence and to the front boundary, and the height the carport needs to clear your vehicle.
• Count what is already on the boundary. A garage or shed on the same boundary counts toward the length limit.
• Check the street setback rules. Ask us or run the check before you commit to a carport forward of the house.
• Confirm the wind rating. Make sure the engineering suits your address, not just a typical suburb.
• Check for overlays and easements. Heritage and character areas often control carports at the front, and driveways often cross service easements.

What to send us

Your quote or kit plans, photos of the driveway and the nearest fence, the site address and the engineering from your supplier. We'll tell you if anything else is needed.

Already built without a permit?

It happens more often than people think, usually because the installer or the owner assumed a carport didn't need one. It is worth sorting out, because unapproved work can cause problems when you sell, insure or extend. The options depend on your state and the structure. Read building without a permit for the usual paths, or call us to talk it through.

Cost and time

The package price for your state is on the Victoria and Queensland pages. Council consents, relaxations and planning approvals add time and cost, and we quote them before anything is lodged.

How we help

Before you commit to a design, run the free check. It measures the carport against your real boundary and flags setback problems. When you're ready, we prepare the site plan, use your kit supplier's engineering, handle any relaxations or consents and lodge the application with a licensed building surveyor or certifier.