Hassling to do, but it’s a government’s requirement. This is a common idea in seeking approval before erecting a carport. It requires plans; it delays schedules, or it costs extra bucks from the budget but it is part of the package. However, do you know that not all local governments require owners to get a permit for their carport? One of their considerations is the size of this outbuilding.

Size of a carport 

Some states or counties don’t require permits for small carports. It can be as small as 200 square feet to 400 square feet for the floor area, and 10 feet or below for the height of a carport. To know if these apply in your area or specific measure, the key is to contact your local government or city building division. Doing it also gives you information about their conditions. Perhaps, it should also be freestanding, temporary, anchored to a concrete slab, or erect 10 feet away from a property line.   

Also, a carport’s size may discount you to get building approval, but not in other required permits. If your carport is near a protected area such as a forest, you may seek environmental compliance permission. Depending also on the complexities, you may need plumbing, electrical, and water permits.

Codes on carports

Local authorities are particular about carports because they may cause harm. Yes, they look like simple and sturdy structures, but they may become safety risks. 

In some states, elements such as hurricanes, blizzards, or tornadoes are prevalent. If a carport cannot endure any of these, then its purpose to protect is just a concept. It must be installed and designed well from the start. Moreover, a damp, wet, hilly, or rocky terrain affects the stability of a carport. In some local building codes, creating a flat and thick foundation is compulsory to address this issue. 

Most local authorities implement strict rules on carports because of environmental and community conditions. Sometimes these codes are tedious but protect a carport and its owner. These make sense not only for the legalities but also for preparing for any eventualities. 

For example, a carport with a 350 square feet area and 8 feet height doesn’t need a permit. But since you attached it to a house, building inspectors need to check and approve it first. A reason for this is an attached carport affects the house’s safety or vice versa. 

Let’s say that what stops your carport to be exempted is its weak foundation. Construct it especially if you are in a snowy area. You may not have a problem on the roof side, but your carport may have on its bottom part. Frost heaving occurs and it can crack a regular footing. If it happens, then your carport is prone to be unstable and collapse.    

Knowing your local building and zoning codes or consulting your local authority before you erect your carport is valuable. It is a step to assess and ensure that your accessory building is just right. It’s just a bonus if your carport’s size exempts you to get a building permit.