Building a carport? Chances are you’ve thought about council approval – and whether you need it or not. Perhaps you’ve chosen to build a carport on a property with an existing house, or maybe you’re replacing an existing structure. Regardless of your circumstances, knowing for sure whether or not you require council approval for your carport will alleviate stress, and ensure your build is compliant with all council carport regulations.
We sat down with Fluid Building Approvals to uncover everything you need to know about when council approvals are required for carports.
Back To Basics: What Is A Building Approval?
As stipulated by the Brisbane City Council, “a building approval is in addition to any planning approval that you may need”. Building approvals involve an assessment against the Building Code of Australia (forming Volumes 1 and 2 of the National Construction Code) and Queensland’s building and plumbing regulations. They are completed through a building certifier.
A building assessment will address whether the structure:
- Is soundly designed and constructed and will be safe.
- Has adequate fire safety.
- Has suitable protection from pests.
- Is appropriately sewered and drained.
- Complies with the minimum energy and water efficiency standards.
General Rules
As a general rule, any building or structure over 10 square metres will require building approval. A common misconception is that building approvals are not required when rebuilding a like-for-like structure and that the approval process has already been taken care of. Sadly, that’s not the case. Even if you are rebuilding or replacing an existing structure, it still needs to go through the approval process.
Building A Carport Or Garage
The Brisbane City Plan 2014 allows for the construction of a carport or garage as part of a dwelling house. A ‘dwelling house’ includes outbuildings and works normally associated with a dwelling. It refers to the residential use of premises for one household that contains a single dwelling.
If you are building a new house with a carport, the building approval should take place alongside the building application for your house. However, carport regulations specify that if you are building a carport on a property with an existing house, you will require a separate building approval.
How Do You Get Building Approval?
Building approvals for garages or carports can be arranged through a building certifier. The building certifier analysing your carport will need scaled and detailed plans prepared by a suitably qualified building industry professional.
Related Approvals For A Carport Build
Keep in mind that you will also need a driveway permit to cross the footpath to build, repair or modify a driveway.
Avoid Risk – Get Your Building Approval
Getting building approval can seem like a long and tedious process, but choosing not to can come with significant risk. At SEQ Patio Group, we always recommend saving yourself the stress and maintaining peace of mind by getting your building approvals done. If you’re planning to build a carport for your home, get in touch with our friendly team. We’ll walk you through our vast range of carport design styles and can discuss the carport setbacks and council guidelines, as well as how they apply to your property.
