Do I Need A Permit For A Carport?

If you’re looking to build a new carport on your property, you might be asking yourself, “Do I need a permit for a carport?” In this blog post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about carport building permits.

Whether you need a carport permit depends on your location and the carport's construction. Local building and zoning rules play a big role, so there’s no single answer that applies everywhere.

You may not need a permit if:

• You’re building a small carport under 200 square feet

• You’re building a non-permanent structure that can be easily removed

You’ll likely need a permit if:

• You’re building a permanent structure

• You’re building a carport that’s attached to your home

• Your carport requires electrical or concrete work

• Your carport is near property lines or a road

For example, Los Angeles County requires a building permit for carports and requires homeowners to submit a site plan showing the proposed construction. 

If you’re unsure, the safest move is to check your local regulations or contact your city or county building department directly. They can tell you exactly what’s required before you start building.

As a general rule, if your carport is meant to be long-lasting, your city will likely want to review it. Permits help make sure structures are safe, properly placed, and compliant with local codes, which protects both you and your property in the long run.

When it comes to whether or not you need a carport permit, size matters. In most cases, local building departments look closely at how big your carport is and how it’s built.

Rules vary by city or county, but a common cutoff is 200 square feet. If your carport stays under that size, you may be able to build it without a permit. Once you go over that limit, a permit is usually required.

For example, in Austin, Texas, you can build a carport (or other accessory building) without a permit as long as it’s no more than 200 square feet and no more than 15 feet tall. In San Diego, California, the rules are stricter. All new carports require permits, regardless of size. 

Because these limits vary by location, it’s always best to check your local building code before you finalize your plans. A quick check upfront can save you time, money, and headaches later.

Asking yourself, “Do I need a permit for a carport-to-garage conversion?” The answer is usually yes — in most cases, you’ll need a permit to convert a carport into a garage.

Enclosing a carport turns it into a more permanent structure, which usually requires a building permit. This is especially true if the project includes new walls, doors, electrics, plumbing, or changes to the foundation.

Local building departments also review garage conversions more closely because they affect safety, ventilation, and fire protection. Attached garages may require fire-rated walls or specific setbacks, depending on your area.

If you build a carport without obtaining a permit, you might need to:

• Pay fines

• Get a permit retroactively

• Remove/tear down your carport if your local area requires it

To find out more about unpermitted work, the penalties for building without a permit, how to legalize unpermitted work, and ways to avoid these issues when it comes to your future construction projects, you can read our post about building without a permit.

To find out if you need a carport permit in your area, the best thing to do is to contact your local building or planning department. Other steps to follow include:

• Checking the city or county website for permit guidelines

• Searching for accessory structure or carport-specific rules

• Confirming zoning requirements like setbacks and lot coverage

• Asking whether attached and detached carports are treated differently

• Checking size, height, and anchoring thresholds that trigger permits

• Asking about electrical permits if lighting or outlets are planned

• Confirming whether HOA approval is also required

• Requesting written confirmation or documentation when possible

Learn how to streamline the carport building permit application process.

My Site Plan can help you with the permit process for your carport construction project. We offer detailed site plans that show property lines, setbacks, and the proposed location of your new carport.

Ready to get started? Get your site plan today. 

• Carport permit requirements vary by location and depend on local building and zoning regulations, so there’s no one-size-fits-all rule in the United States.

• You may not need a carport permit for small structures, especially if the carport is under 200 square feet and considered non-permanent.

• Permanent or attached carports usually require a building permit, particularly when they involve concrete foundations, electrical work, or proximity to property lines.

• Carport size limits without a permit differ by city. Some areas allow building small carports without a permit, and others require permits for all new carports.

• Converting a carport into a garage almost always requires a permit because enclosing a structure changes its use, safety requirements, and building classification.

• Building a carport without a permit can lead to fines or removal, so it’s important to confirm permit requirements before construction begins.

• Checking with your local building department is the best first step to determine if you need a carport building permit in your area.