Can I build a carport without council approval in NSW?

Short answer: Yes, if it meets the NSW exempt development standards. A carport can be built without planning or building approval if it stays within the size limit for your lot (20 m² on lots of 300 m² or less, 25 m² on larger residential lots), is no higher than 3 m, sits at least 1 m behind the building line and 900 mm from side boundaries, and is open on at least two sides.

If your design doesn’t fit, it may still be approved as complying development or through a development application.

Where exempt carports aren’t allowed

A carport can’t be exempt development:

• on a lot that contains a heritage item or draft heritage item
• in a foreshore area

In a heritage conservation area, an exempt carport has to go in the rear yard.

Size limits

The carport’s floor area must not exceed:

Lot	Maximum floor area
300 m² or less	20 m²
Over 300 m², most zones	25 m²
Over 300 m², rural zones and zone R5	50 m²

You can have one carport per dwelling as exempt development. A lot with a house and a granny flat can have two.

Height and open sides

• No higher than 3 m above existing ground level.
• If attached to a single-storey house, no higher than its roof gutter line.
• At least two sides open, and at least one-third of the total perimeter open.

Setbacks

• At least 1 m behind the building line facing any road. The building line is the wall of the house, not a porch.
• At least 900 mm from side and rear boundaries in most zones (5 m in zones RU1, RU2, RU3, RU4, RU6 and R5).
• The roof can project into the setback, but must stay at least 500 mm from any boundary.

Other standards

• On bush fire prone land, a carport within 5 m of the house must be built from non-combustible materials.
• Roof water must drain into the existing stormwater system.
• Any connection to a fascia must follow a professional engineer’s specifications.
• Metal must be low-reflective and factory pre-coloured.
• It must not reduce access to the site or existing parking.

A new driveway or kerb crossing needs separate approval from the road authority, usually your council, under the Roads Act 1993.

What if my carport doesn’t fit the rules?

Carports and garages can also be built as complying development on residential lots of at least 200 m² and 6 m wide, with a certificate from council or a private certifier. Detached carports can be up to 4.5 m high under that pathway. Anything outside both codes needs a development application.

How we handle it

We measure your block and check the setbacks, lot size and zoning before we design the carport, so you know up front whether it needs approval.

These rules were checked against NSW Government sources in September 2026. Confirm the current standards for your property before building.