When adding any structure to a property, you always need to think carefully about zoning laws and restrictions. The last thing you want to do is get through an entire project only to find that you have violated a rule in some way and have to make a time-consuming – and expensive – change.
One of the determining factors in how the rules will apply to your new carport is whether or not that carport is seen as a permanent structure. In this article, we’ll go over this important distinction and how you should approach the matter when planning your project. This might not be the most exciting part of a carport project, but it certainly is one that you don’t want to get wrong.
To order a quality carport that will serve your property well over many years to come, start the process by using our Build & Price tool. We offer many customizations, so you can quickly create something that will suit your needs. Of course, if you need any help, just contact us, and our team will jump into action.
Is a Carport a Permanent Structure?
The primary determining factor in whether or not a carport is considered a permanent structure is the way it interacts with a foundation. More specifically, if a metal carport is attached to a house or is attached to a permanent foundation, such as a concrete slab, it will be considered a permanent structure. If, on the other hand, the carport is not attached to a foundation, it might not be considered permanent – although there are some other factors that can come into play.
It’s important to understand how your building is classified because that classification will impact permitting and code issues. Although the rules vary from place to place, you are likely to need to apply for a permit if you are building a permanent structure, whereas you might not need to go through that process if you’ll just be placing a small carport on your land without affixing it in place.
A Possible Exception
Even if you aren’t going to attach your carport to the ground, it might be considered a permanent structure if it is over a given size. In that instance, it could be considered permanent simply because it couldn’t easily be moved, even if it isn’t technically connected to the ground with any hardware or fixtures. The only way to know for sure what the situation will be in your case is to check the zoning laws in your area, either by reading through them yourself or contacting someone in the relevant government office who can assist.
Should You Avoid Permits Where Possible?
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you don’t want to go through the permit process for your new carport. As a result, you might wind up thinking that it would be better to plan your project so that you avoid needing a permit. We’d argue that you should avoid this line of thinking, however.
Is it frustrating to need to work through the permit process? Sure – it takes some of your time, there are fees involved, and you might not get everything approved quite as quickly as you would like. Yet, it’s better to be patient and go through that legwork and get exactly the building you want and need than to make sacrifices just to avoid getting a permit and winding up with a structure that doesn’t really do what you need it to do.
Build a Carport with American Carports, Inc
If you go through the expense and trouble of building a new carport – permanent or otherwise – you might as well do the job right the first time. For that, you need to work with a leader in the industry who will deliver and install a quality product that will last for years to come. That’s exactly the experience you will have with American Carports, Inc.
The answer to the title question in this article, as unsatisfying as it might be, is that it depends. Sometimes, a carport will be considered a permanent structure, but not always. The best course of action is to pay attention to local rules and understand how they apply, given the specifics of your project and how you plan on installing your carport. We wish you the best of luck, and please reach out to our team right away if you’d like to get started on a new carport project.
