The most common carport we build in Logan is a double carport in front of the garage, out towards the street. In most councils that would mean a boundary relaxation from council before the build. Logan is different, and it is worth knowing why.
The Logan rule
Under the Logan Planning Scheme 2015, a carport can be built right up to the front boundary without a referral application when it is:
- No more than 6 m long and 6 m wide
- No more than 3.5 m high
- Completely open on every side, apart from where the back of it attaches to the house or another structure
What breaks the rule
Go bigger than 6 × 6, taller than 3.5 m, or add walls, roller doors or screens on the sides, and the carport no longer meets the rule. It then needs council to agree to the reduced setback first, which adds time and a fee. A carport that is 6.5 m long to fit a big ute is a common example: we would rather design it to fit 6 m and keep it simple.
It still needs a building approval
The 6 × 6 rule is about the planning setback. The carport still needs a building approval from a private certifier, with engineering for your wind rating. We arrange both as part of the job.
How other councils compare
- Ipswich: on a lot of 450 m² or more, an open carport may sit in the road setback when there is nowhere else for it. A second one, or one wider than 7 m, needs council approval.
- Brisbane: on lots under 450 m², the garage door and carport together are limited to 6 m wide facing the street, and character homes have extra rules for anything in front of the house.
- Gold Coast: a carport in the front setback is never as of right. Council assesses each one, generally around 3 m high to the fascia and 6 m wide.
Check before you buy a kit
If you are buying a carport kit, check the size against these rules first. A 6 × 6 m kit is the sweet spot for a front-yard carport in Logan.