As a vehicle owner, you want to protect your prized possession from the elements.
If you don’t have a garage, or there isn’t any room in your existing garage for a second or third vehicle, a freestanding carport can be a great solution. But building a freestanding carport on your property comes with key considerations.
Will you need to get a permit? What are the regulations in your area?
Failure to address these questions head-on could lead to headaches, like fines, down the road.
Requirements vary greatly from state to state and city to city, meaning navigating the permitting process is rarely straightforward. But with the right information and preparation, you can construct a city-compliant and durable carport that protects your vehicles for years to come.
What is a Freestanding Carport?
A freestanding carport is a standalone structure for vehicles that isn’t attached to your home or any other structure. Carports provide covered driveway parking spots and are ideal for storing all types of vehicles, including seasonal and recreational vehicles like RVs and boats.
Freestanding carports come in various sizes, including single, double, and tandem.
If you’re considering using a freestanding carport to store your vehicle(s), you can purchase a prebuilt one for easy installation and transportation or hire someone to build a permanent carport on your property. For a prebuilt carport, you can expect to spend about $2,000 to $7,000, depending on the materials.
Do You Need Planning Permission For a Carpot?
In many cases, yes, you will need a permit for a freestanding carport. Building permits are necessary to ensure that the construction project complies with safety standards and building codes, which ultimately protect you and your property.
Local regulations vary by location and may dictate the size, placement, and materials used for your carport. In most areas, whether or not you need a permit will depend on the size of the structure you plan to build and whether or not it will be permanent.
Generally, a structure is considered permanent if it is attached to a permanent foundation. However, some areas, like Los Angeles County, require permits for all carports.
Start by contacting your local government agency or the local building department to learn more about building permit requirements for carports. They’ll be able to provide you with the necessary information and guidance on obtaining a permit for your carport, as well as any specific documentation required for the application process.
It’s also a good idea to consult with your homeowner’s association (HOA) and local zoning agents, as they may have additional requirements for the placement, size, and materials used for your carport.
How to Get a Building Permit
To apply for a permit, you’ll typically need to fill out an application, which can typically be done online. You’ll also need to pay a fee and submit building plans as part of your application.
A building plan is a drawing of your property that shows the proposed carport’s location and specifications. While you can draft your own building plan, it’s best to hire a professional to ensure it complies with local building codes. This plan should include information about:
- Property lines
- Setback requirements
- Utility lines
- Dimensions of the carport
- Additional features, such as storage areas or electrical installations
After submitting the application and paying the fees, it’s a good idea to follow up with the building department to confirm receipt of your application.
If the issuing body approves your application, you’ll receive your building permit and can begin construction.
Consequences of Building Without a Permit
Building a freestanding carport without a permit can result in various consequences, including safety risks and legal and financial ramifications.
Safety Risks
A poorly constructed carport may not be able to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds or heavy snowfall, which can result in damage to your vehicles and property, as well as injury to you or your guests.
By obtaining a building permit and following regulations, you can ensure that your carport is structurally sound and safe for use.
Legal and Financial Ramifications
The legal and financial repercussions of constructing a freestanding carport without a permit may include:
- Fines (up to $500 or more per day)
- Devaluation of property
- Denial of insurance claims
- Orders to dismantle the structure
Complying with local regulations will help you avoid these consequences.
Is a Freestanding Carport Right For You?
Before you go to the trouble of constructing a freestanding carport, you’ll want to make sure this parking/storage solution is right for your property.
Advantages of Freestanding Carports
Carports offer a more budget-friendly covered parking option compared to garages, with prices averaging around $3,500 versus over $25,000 for a garage. They are, generally, easier to install than garages since they don’t need to meet stringent building codes.
Carports provide protection from weather elements like rain, snow, and UV rays. They can add a covered spot for a second vehicle when your garage is full. Carports can also double as outdoor entertaining spaces when you move the car out.
Disadvantages of Freestanding Carports
While carports offer various advantages, they fall short in a few key areas.
Carports are less secure than garages or self-storage solutions, making your vehicles more vulnerable to theft and vandalism.
Building a carport also typically requires obtaining a permit, paying fees, and complying with local building codes to avoid penalties. To obtain a permit for a carport, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500, though this will depend on your location and the size of the carport.
Tips for Responsible Carport Construction
Hire a Licensed Contractor
Hiring a licensed contractor with experience in carport construction is an excellent way to ensure that your project proceeds smoothly and adheres to local regulations. To hire a contractor to build your carport, expect to spend $2,400 – $8,400.
A skilled contractor will generally take on the responsibility of obtaining permits and will ensure that your carport is built to the highest safety standards.
When selecting a contractor, it’s important to request multiple estimates, verify their licensing, and ask for references from previous clients.
Assess Your Storage Needs
To determine the correct dimensions for your parking space, it’s important to consider the size and type of vehicles you own to determine your storage needs. It’s also important to consider if you need storage space for tools, equipment, or other items.
Generally, the minimum width for a single-vehicle carport is 12 feet; however, a larger size may be necessary depending on the size of your vehicle. If you own an RV and a boat, for example, you’ll need more storage space than you would for a single-family car.
Choose the Right Materials
When choosing materials and design elements for your carport, it’s important to consider factors such as durability, maintenance requirements, and aesthetics.
Wood and metal are common materials for carport construction, with wood offering a natural look that you can paint to match your home and metal carports providing increased durability and resistance to weather conditions. Metal carports also generally require less maintenance.
You should also choose a design that meets local building codes for carport construction, meaning you will need to check with local building authorities to determine the proper dimensions for your project. Depending on local zoning requirements, there may also be restrictions on the materials you can use.
Your HOA may also have restrictions on the types of materials you can use, so be sure to check with your HOA before starting construction.
Final Thoughts
Finding suitable storage for your recreational vehicles is important. While freestanding carports are a popular option, they can be inconvenient as you’ll have to deal with hassles like building permits and other zoning laws.
For a more convenient option, consider searching for affordable local storage through a peer-to-peer marketplace like Neighbor. Neighbor makes it easy to find car storage, RV storage, and boat storage near you.
