What do you do when your home doesn’t have a garage? The simple answer is you install a carport. The structures are inexpensive compared to traditional garages and are perfectly capable of protecting your vehicle.
While carports are often considered temporary structures, this doesn’t mean a few laws will not be passed. A common law is meeting permit requirements for carport installations. Yep, your carport may need a building permit and it’s not something you want to ignore.
What’s the Purpose of Getting a Building Permit?
Some states and municipalities like to keep track of what residents are erecting on their properties. Sure, this can seem a little nosy. After all, it’s your property so you should be able to install just about anything. This isn’t exactly how things work. Building permits are typically required almost every time a new structure goes up. This often includes carports, and the reason for this is fairly simple. Building permits help ensure the structure meets all safety codes along with a few other restrictions like height and setback placement.
Having the necessary permits in hand comes with a key benefit. You’ll appreciate this benefit once you get over the permit fees. Some building permits, like a conversion one, can run around $1,400. Your permit lets everyone know your structure is legal and safe. A permit can even help keep an HOA satisfied and sometimes this isn’t easy. If you’re planning on eventually selling your property with the carport, the permit is probably going to be required. The sale may not go through until you can produce the building permit.
How Do You Know If You Need a Building Permit?
Yes, getting a building permit can be a bit of a pain, and this is before you factor in the fee. However, you don’t want to start installing a carport if your area requires a permit. So, how do you find out what’s required in your area?
Get ready to do a bit of research. If researching the answer isn’t your thing, you can always reach out to a professional contractor. The contractor can take care of securing any permits, but it also comes with additional fees. The contractor is probably going to charge you for their time on top of the permit fees.
If you’re tackling the research, it’s actually pretty easy. You should be able to do everything online from the comfort of your home. A quick internet search should pull up the necessary information. If you’re still a little lost, you can also call your county administration office. City Hall may also be able to help.
Be ready to answer some questions. You can’t get a building permit if you can’t list the size of the intended structure, its purpose, and its materials. You’ll also need to let the permitting office know if the carport will be attached or a free-standing structure.
Simple Steps for Getting a Building Permit for Your New Carport
You’ve figured out whether or not you need a building permit. Honestly, sometimes, just picking up the phone and calling your local building department is the easiest way to go. This way, you have the chance to ask any questions, so you don’t run into any issues when it’s time to pick up the permit.
Pick a Carport Design
Carports aren’t a one-size-fits-all kind of solution. You have plenty of options. You can go with a prefab carport or have one custom-designed. Whichever route you go, you’re going to need the building plans.
Double-check that the design meets your local building codes and it fits on your property. Hang on to the plans; you’ll need to submit them with your building permit request. Along with the carport’s design plans, you’re also going to need blueprints identifying the structure’s intended location on your property. You might as well keep everything together. This way, you’re ready to go when it’s time to fill out the application.
Pick Up the Application
Chances are you can fill out the application online. Most municipalities have online forms for convenience. This also helps prevent lines from forming at the building authority’s office. Fill out every field on the application. Don’t skip over anything, it’s probably going to result in an automatic denial. Get ready to be specific. The permit application is going to ask for detailed information, like the precise dimensions of the carport.
After reviewing the application, click submit and include all of the other required documents. This is also when you pay the permitting fee, so have your credit or debit card handy.
Try to Wait Patiently
Everything’s ready to go with your carport installation except for the permit. Waiting for permit approval can be frustrating, but you also don’t want to get started on the installation early. If a building inspection catches you putting up a carport without the required permit, it’s probably going to have to come down. You may also be looking at hefty penalty fees. To keep yourself busy, try thinking of ideas on how you can add some curb appeal to the carport.
Start Installing Your Carport
As soon as the permit shows up, you can get started on the installation process. Keep the permit close by. You never know who may stop by and ask if you have the required permits. Don’t forget to follow your original building plans. These are the ones submitted with your permit application. Even a minor change usually means going through the permitting process again.
After finishing up the installation, you may need another inspection from the building authorities. Yep, this is also when the building authorities will check to see if you stayed with your original plans.
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Don’t Risk Your Carport’s Installation By Not Having the Right Permits
A building permit for a carport may seem silly, but it’s often necessary. Even though permit fees can be rather hefty, they’re still less than being fined for not having the necessary documentation. While the process can be annoying, it is less frustrating than having to take an installed carport down.
