Carports
Find out about design and approval requirements for building your carport.
Carports are a popular choice for providing off-street covered parking.
The Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 has requirements relating to location, height and size of carports.
The Queensland Development Code (QDC) describes a carport as a class 10a building, other than a garage, providing covered vehicular parking.
Do I need approval to build a carport?
Yes. To build a carport, first you need a building work permit from a private building certifier.
You will need to provide your private building certifier with plans for your carport. A building designer or architect may be able to assist in the design process.
If you plan to construct a driveway along with your carport, refer to our driveways page for more information. Your private building certifier can provide further advice.
Carport design requirements
The dwelling house code in the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 requires all carports for a dwelling house:
- must not dominate the streetscape
- preserve the amenity of adjacent land and dwelling houses
- maintain an adequate area for landscaping adjacent to the road frontage, and
- maintain visual continuity, pattern of buildings and landscape elements within the street.
When a carport is not built to address these design requirements, problems can arise relating to:
- reduced perception of safety
- loss of trees and landscaping within front yards
- increased parking on street
- reduced activity and visibility, enclosing the street.
Design requirements for carports are also identified for different zones:
What if my carport does not comply with these design requirements?
Your private building certifier will need to lodge an application with council to assess and decide the alternative design .
Use the dwelling house code checklist to help you prepare your application.
The correct application type will differ depending on:
- location
- site specifics
- your proposed carport design.
Generally, you should:
- apply to council for a development permit for building work (DBW) for proposed height and floor area variations
- consult with your private building certifier for proposed variations to setbacks or site cover. They will refer your application to council for a concurrence agency response (CAR).
Alternatively, you can request an early referral agency response before lodging your development application for building work with your private building certifier. Where council grants an early concurrence agency approval, this can be included with the building work application lodged with your private building certifier. No extra referral to council is needed.
An early concurrence agency response is valid for 2 years.
Contact council's development services for more answers about carports and their design requirements.