When you don't need planning approval
At the City of Stirling, a carport doesn't need development (planning) approval if it meets all of these:
- it's at least the minimum distance from the street boundary (table below)
- the posts are at least 1 m from the side boundary
- enough open space is left on the lot (table below)
- it's big enough to park in (minimum sizes below)
- there's an unobstructed view between the house and the street
- it's no wider than 60% of the lot frontage
Every carport needs a building permit, even when planning approval isn't needed.
Street setback and open space by R-Code
| R-Code | Minimum street setback | Minimum open space |
|---|---|---|
| R10 | 3.75 m | 60% |
| R12.5 | 3.75 m | 55% |
| R20, R25 | 3 m | 50% |
| R30, R40 | 2 m | 45% |
| R50, R60 | 1 m | 40% |
| R80 | 0.5 m | 30% |
Find your lot's R-Code with the Address and Application Assistant on the City's website.
Minimum sizes
| Length | Width | Opening | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 5.4 m | 2.4 m (3 m if a post or wall is next to the opening) | 2.4 m |
| Double | 5.4 m | 4.8 m (5.4 m if a post or wall is next to the opening) | 4.8 m |
Doors, corners and laneways
- Doors. Any door must be visually permeable, such as a see-through tilt-up door.
- Corner lots. Face the secondary street where you can, and avoid access from busy roads like Walcott Street or Karrinyup Road. You can build as close as 1.5 m to the secondary street.
- Laneways. Access from a laneway is encouraged (Local Planning Policy 6.5).
Heritage areas and strata
All carports in the Heritage Protection Area (Mount Lawley, Menora and Inglewood) or on heritage-listed properties need planning approval, and must use the laneway if there is one. Strata lots may also need approval under the Strata Titles Act.
If you do need planning approval
The City has 60 days to decide, though carports are usually quicker. You'll need the application form signed by every owner, a title search from the last six months, the fee, a site plan at 1:200, floor plan and elevations at 1:100, and a written justification for anything that doesn't meet the rules. Sloping sites need a feature survey. You don't need your neighbour's approval to apply.
City of Stirling: (08) 9205 8555.