What Size Carport Can You Build Without a Permit?
If you’re a householder with multiple vehicles, a carport is a cost-efficient investment that provides protective shelter for your vehicles while adding property value to your house. However, you might be wondering: What size carport can you build without a permit? If you already have one, how do you turn a carport into a garage? Don’t worry! This guide will address all your concerns!
Carports You Can Build Without a Building Permit
The structure and size of the carport are two main factors that decide if you’re eligible to build it in your house. In most jurisdictions, small carports that are under 200 square feet or non-permanent carports that can be retracted are often exempt from permit requirements. However, specific building regulations can vary significantly by location, especially for large-size carports. In some areas, like Los Angeles, the building guidelines even include the materials, placement, safety measures, and more. As long as you follow the requirements in the local structural document, you’ll be able to build the right size carport without a permit.
What is Considered a Permanent Structure
As mentioned above, a permanent structure usually requires a permit to build. The definition of a permanent structure can be summarized in one sentence: a structure that is built in a fixed place and can’t be moved from your property after the construction is complete. Therefore, if you want to build a freestanding carport or an attached carport, it’s better to apply to your local government first.
How to Turn Carport Into Garage
While carports are a money-saving solution for vehicle parking, some people like to transform them into garages for multiple uses. We’ve wrapped up a few tips to help you achieve a successful conversion.
Choose a Qualified Foundation to Convert Carport to Garage
A proper foundation of your building site is the main factor that ensures the safety of turning your carport into a garage. There are three key features that contribute to a complete groundwork:
Base Material: Remove any existing coverings like vegetation and debris from the ground, then lay a concrete slab on it to provide a stable and long-lasting base.
Utility Lines: Dig out several underground lines for power management and create a drainage system by adding pipelines.
Dimensions: If you want to have enough space for two vehicles, the width of your slab flooring should be at least 18 feet, while the depth should be over 20 feet. In addition, you can also add extra feet to each of the sizes to create a more spacious area for storage or other purposes.
Measure the Carport's Roof Height and Roofline
The roof height and roofline of your carport are other essential measurements that affect the method of your carport conversion. As you may need to add additional beams to the old carport, which could lead to a lower height for your space. You should ensure that the new height will have sufficient room to accommodate your door opening and your largest vehicle (with a roof rack).
Also, if you’re not sure if the curve of your roofline is suitable for the new garage or your outdoor style, it’s better to consult a structural professional to check it.
Evaluate the Structure Before Enclosing a Carport Into a Garage
The stability and integrity of your existing carport will determine the feasibility of turning a carport into a garage. It's important and necessary to check if your carport has a sturdy frame and provides strong support to the roof.
Besides, before the process of enclosing a carport into a garage, you should consider the possibility of adding walls or windows to the frames. It’s crucial to ensure these additional weights and structures can perfectly blend into the old version. In one word, a high-quality carport will make your transformation more easily and more economical.
Add Walls and Doors to Complete the Carport-to-Garage Conversion
After you’ve completed the evaluation of your location and carport’s structure, it’s time to start the enclosing part!
Choose the metal type of doors and walls with a damp-proof coating. These solid constructions can enhance the security of your garage and offer a long-lasting performance.
If you prefer a workshop-style garage, a couple of glass windows are brilliant additions to let natural light and fresh air shine in, creating a delightful feeling for your inner space. More importantly, make sure all these modifications comply with safety requirements.
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Garage
Although in some areas turning a permitted carport into a garage doesn’t require additional planning permission, it’s still advisable to consult your local authority for clarified information before kicking off your project. For instance, if the size of your newly converted garage may exceed its allowed limitations, you’ll have to apply for new permission.
How to Get a Permit For Your Carport and Garage
You can research your county government’s official website about the local building codes, or directly contact the homeowners’ association (HOA) for specific regulations. If you’ve found out that your building plan is beyond the stipulation, fill out the application and wait for it to be addressed.
Benefits of Getting a Permit for Your Carport and Garage
Getting a permit not only can help you stay away from potential risks but also can add value to your property. For instance, a registered permit will ensure you can get insurance claims if an accident happens to your carport or garage. Additionally, if you’re trying to sell your house, a decent carport with legal documentation can make your overall property more valuable.
Conclusion
Throughout this comprehensive guide, we believe you can find some useful information to deal with your concern of "what size carport can you build without a permit". By following these suggestions, you’ll be able to enjoy the functionality of your carport or garage without worries.
