Carport Conversion to Habitable Room
Due to changes in the Building Legislation the City’s web pages relating to building related applications is currently under construction. Building Permit Application forms and further information can be found at the Department of Commerce – Building Commission website
The City apologises for any inconvenience.
A carport may be converted to a habitable room if there is sufficient space elsewhere on the lot to provide a carport in a complying location. It is recommended that the materials and finish of the proposed alteration match with that of the existing residence.
Residential Planning Codes (R-Codes)
The R-Codes set out development standards to enable adequate privacy and ensure amenity is maintained around residences. The dwelling and carport must maintain an average six metre front setback, with a minimum setback of three metres. Side setbacks are to be one metre for the wall, up to nine metres in length with no major openings and 1.5 metres for walls greater than nine metres in length, or with major openings. A minimum of two car parking bays must be provided on site.
A copy of the Residential Design Codes can be viewed at Planning WA's website
Building Code of Australia (BCA)
The walls of a new addition must maintain a continuous cavity with the existing dwelling. The floor to ceiling height must be a minimum of 2.4 metres. Generally, carport floors are constructed without a waterproof membrane or termite barrier, however a membrane must be provided for a habitable room. This may require the removal of the existing floor, or if the ceiling height can be maintained at 2.4 metres, a membrane may be laid over the existing floor and a new floor added. The existing slab may have to be drilled to install a termite barrier. All existing rooms must have natural light and ventilation, and hard wired smoke detectors must be installed to protect all existing and proposed bedrooms.
A copy of the BCA can be viewed at Joondalup Library, or you can purchase a copy online form the Australian Building Codes Board website
Power
Should a meter box exist within the proposed enclosure, it must be relocated to an external wall.
Application requirements
The application for a building licence requires the following information:
- Two copies of a site plan drawn to a scale of not less than 1:200
- The site plans must be fully dimensioned and all boundary clearances must be shown
- Two copies of working drawings of the conversion drawn to scale of not less than 1:100 including elevations and the building cross section
- Two copies of specifications with a completed addendum indicating the types of materials to be used
- A completed Building Licence Application
- The application form must indicate the contract value and the name and registration number of the builder. The original signature of the builder must be on the completed application form
- If you intend to construct the conversion yourself and the estimated value of the construction exceeds $20,000 a separate statutory declaration is required for each owner. These must be completed and signed by each owner in the presence of a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner of Declarations and submitted with the application
- All fees must be paid when the building application is lodged
If additional information is required the City will contact you.
For further information please contact the City on 9400 4961.
