Being considered as a non-habitable and accessory structure, a simple carport seems to have what it takes to exempt owner-builders to get building permits. But do you really need a building permit to put up a carport or not?
What is a building permit?
A building permit is a legal document from a local government, which states that a structure (e.g. house, porch, or carport) meets their safety standards. Owner-builders should complete all the requirements first to obtain a building permit. And they have to have it, together with other applicable permits, before they can erect something on their property.
More often than not, every carport is required to have a building permit. The standards, the specifics, and strict implementation depend on the state or zoning district where the carport will be placed. Don’t be surprised, then, if a local authority requires you to have a permit for your carport in one place, even if their counterparts in other states or counties exempt you. And don’t be overwhelmed if a local agency demands costly and daunting tasks. Normally there are stricter guidelines if a place is regularly visited by natural hazards, has a busy and big population, and is situated nearby protected areas.
What’s in a building drawing?
The important requirement to get a building permit is no other than the building plan or drawing. The building plan shows the sketch and information of the carport you intend to erect. Some of the details that typically parts of it are the following:
- The carport’s connection to the house or is it attached or detached?
- dimensions of the frames
- roof covering
- slab or footing information
- measurement of the materials
- percentage of glazing
- pergola or carport rafter spacing
Besides this building plan, you have to submit a site plan. The site plan details the position of your carport within your property, as well as from setbacks. What the surveyor or inspector typically checks in a site plan is if it doesn’t occupy areas that are parts of an easement, setbacks, or lines of utilities.
In relation to the site, the plan is the homeowner association’s regulations. Perhaps, you need clearance or certification from your community association about the right-of-way or other easement agreements.
Is it possible to be exempted?
The answer is yes in some states or counties that have loose guidelines. Mostly they exempt owner-builders to get a building permit if their carport is constructed and has certain qualities or conditions. Like for example if it stands for a limited time only, detached from a house or building, it will be used by a single-family only, has safe distances from the property lines and setbacks, or it will only occupy a small portion (e.g. depending on the state it can be not over 120 square feet, 200 square feet, or 400 square feet) of the land.
The conditions for exemptions are vague and vary. So to be sure it is better to consult the building codes division of your local government. What is somehow certain is you may need to obtain other permits such as electrical, plumbing, sewerage, public right-of-way, and environmental.
