Why corner blocks are different
A corner block has two street boundaries: the primary street (usually the one the house faces) and the secondary street (the side street). Each has its own setback, so there's less room to play with than on a normal lot.
The secondary street is often the best spot
The City of Stirling's carport and garage guide says that on corner lots, carports and garages should face the secondary street and avoid access from busy roads. They can come as close as 1.5 m to the secondary street boundary. The City of Wanneroo also uses a 1.5 m secondary street setback for carports.
That often means a carport down the side of the house, opening onto the quieter street, is easier to get approved than one in front of the house.
If the carport goes in front of the house
The normal front (primary street) rules apply. A carport can come forward into the street setback if it's:
- no wider than 60% of the frontage
- open, with an unobstructed view between the house and the street (no solid door)
- in materials that suit the house
Try our front setback carport calculator with your numbers.
Minimum street setbacks at Stirling
| R-Code | Carport street setback |
|---|---|
| R10, R12.5 | 3.75 m |
| R20, R25 | 3 m |
| R30, R40 | 2 m |
| R50, R60 | 1 m |
| R80 | 0.5 m |
Posts also need to be at least 1 m from the side boundary to skip planning approval at Stirling.
Other things to check
- A new or wider crossover needs its own approval from council.
- Laneway. If your lot backs onto a laneway, councils like Stirling encourage using it instead of the street.
- Heritage areas always need planning approval.
- A building permit is needed for every carport, even when planning approval isn't.