Like a garage, a carport is either an attached or freestanding structure. The former makes a carport like an integral feature of the building, while the latter is an additional building in a real estate property. However, attached carports need to obtain building permits. But what about a freestanding carport? Does it need a permit too?
Concerns on attached carports
The advantages and disadvantages of an attached carport come from how it’s connected to a building. Some of its advantages are it can add beauty and market value to a house. Plus, this carport type makes vehicles convenient to access anytime. It is like, a vehicle owner does not need an umbrella if it’s raining. Or bring out a flashlight if it’s dark in the driveway.
However, local authorities are stricter on examining the attached carports. It is primarily because they nailed directly to existing buildings. Whatever wrong engineering works in this type of carports are considered safety hazards. And these hazards cause direct and immediate disasters for people residing in the house.
If an attached carport is substandard, the possible disasters that occur are electrical shocks, fire, vehicular-related injuries, oil spills, chemical contamination, and accidents due to structural hazards. By the way, the structural hazards in an attached carport are not only because of how it’s built. It can also be how it is maintained properly. Because if it’s not, a carport’s parts may deteriorate and age fast. Also, it is important to note that the smoke and noise from a vehicle. If it’s parked nearer the house it endangers a family’s health every day.
No permit-needed freestanding carport
Of course, the mentioned hazards above may also be present in a freestanding carport. But given it’s erected a little bit far from a house, the percentage that it harms several people is lesser. Also if a carport collapses, the most possible victim is only the vehicle.
These are only a few plausible reasons why in some states or counties, a building permit is not required for a freestanding carport. Some authorities even give considerations based on a carport’s duration of existence, location, and dimension.
Dimension. A carport with posts that stand 10 feet high or less from the ground and seats in a 200-square feet floor area.
Location. About the floor area, it can be 200-square feet or 400 square feet depending on if it’s within or outside the Urban Growth Area.
Duration. A detached carport that is intended for temporary use or limited time only.
Despite these factors, it is still imperative to go and check the regulations of local authorities on carports. A freestanding carport may not need a building permit, but it still requires other types of certifications like a zoning permit. And some states or counties have extra and specific conditions on outbuildings.
A zoning permit is awarded to a structure that meets the safety standards, based on zoning codes. These codes can be more complex than building laws. Expect this since these rules are created to shelter an entire community and must be protected areas.
