Carport or garage?
The City of Melville uses the R-Codes definitions. A carport is a roofed structure for vehicles that stays unenclosed, though it can have a see-through door. Add a solid door and it becomes a garage, which has stricter setback rules. See enclosing a carport.
When you don't need planning approval
In a residential zone, a carport usually doesn't need planning approval if:
- It's at least 3 m from the primary street and 3 m from any secondary street
- It uses materials, style and roof pitch that suit the house
- It keeps a clear view between the house and the street (or right of way)
- It takes up no more than 50% of the frontage at the building line
- The property isn't on the City's Heritage List
These come from the R-Codes and the City's Local Planning Policies 1.17 and 3.1. In other zones, planning approval is always required. If your carport doesn't meet these rules, the City suggests contacting it to discuss your plans.
Carport vs garage in Melville
| Carport | Garage | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary street setback | 3 m | 4.5 m (3 m if the door is side-on and the street wall has windows) |
| Secondary street setback | 3 m | 3 m |
| Width limit | 50% of frontage | 50% (single storey) or 60% (two storey) |
When you need a building permit
Melville says a freestanding carport needs a building permit if any of these apply: it's over 10 m², over 2.4 m high, or in wind region C or D. In practice almost every carport is over 10 m², so expect to need one. An attached carport needs a permit too.
Fees and timeframes
| Item | Melville's published amount |
|---|---|
| Building permit, carport or garage under $20,000 | $166.65 |
| Building permit over $20,000 | 0.19% application fee plus 0.137% Building Services Levy |
| Planning application under $50,000 | $147 |
| Verge bond (work over $20,000) | $1,900 plus a $100 inspection fee |
- Certified (BA1) applications: decided within 10 working days
- Uncertified (BA2) applications: within 25 working days
- If the City asks for more information, you have 21 calendar days to provide it
- Planning applications: about 60 days, or 90 days if neighbours or agencies are consulted
Check your front setback with the front setback carport calculator, or read carport council approval.