Carports

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.

What is a carport?

A carport is a roofed structure designed to house one or more motor vehicles.  It is an open sided structure without a door, however it may abut a dwelling or a property boundary on one side.

Setbacks

Carports must comply with the Residential Design Codes Variation 1 (R-Codes) and the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

A copy of the Residential Design Codes can be viewed at Planning WA's website.

A copy of the BCA can be viewed at the Joondalup Library, or you can purchase a copy online from the Australian Building Codes Board website.

The main requirements are:

• The minimum setback from the columns or posts to the side or rear boundary is one metre for carports up to nine metres in length and 1.5 metres for a carport that exceeds nine metres in length;
• The minimum setback from the edge of the roof cover or gutter to the side or rear boundary is 750mm;
• The minimum front street setback is 3 metres, with an average of six metres;
• The minimum setback to a secondary street is 1.5 metres; 
• You may not cover more than a fixed proportion of your lot with roofed areas. Please consult with the City to discuss site coverage limitations.

Variations

With written support or building plans signed by the adjoining owner, the posts of the carport may be located up to the boundary line for side and rear boundaries. The roof sheeting or gutter line may be reduced to a minimum setback of 500mm from the side or rear boundary.

Note

All parts of the carport located less than 900mm from a boundary must be built of non-combustible materials. Variations to carports will require a code variations approval form, three extra copies of plans and a letter of justification and the appropriate fee.

Building application requirements

• Site plan – two copies to a scale not less than 1:200 indicating site boundaries, existing and proposed levels, all existing structures and the location of the proposed structure and distances to the boundaries;
• Construction details showing materials to be used, their respective sizes, spacing and spans;
• Connection details to the existing main roof and anchorage to footings, including footing dimensions;
• All exposed timbers must be class 1 or 2 or treated to a H3 level;
• Engineers details may be required depending on the materials used and their configuration.

Planning application requirements

All carports for residential unit developments with common property, commercial developments and caravan parks require planning approval via an Application for Approval to Commence Development Form - MRS Form 1 (in addition to a building licence) signed by owner(s), three (3) sets of plans and the appropriate fees.

Fees

Planning Schedule of Fees

For further information please contact the City on 9400 4961