Carports & garages
A carport is a popular choice to increase off-street car parking. If there are no carports in your area there may be planning restrictions in place.
Building approval
All carports and garages need building approval. A private building certifier can help you get an approval. For more information go to the private building certifier page.
The City Plan requires minimum setbacks from front and side boundaries of a property. They are usually 6.0 metres for the front and 1.5 metres for the side, but can vary depending on your location.
If you can't meet the setback requirements, your certifier will refer your application to us. We can approve reduced setbacks after consideration of the impacts. A letter of non-objection from your neighbour can help.
The referral assessment is often dealt with as part of the approval process by your private building certifier.
Vehicle crossover approval
The part of your driveway that runs from your property boundary to the road is called a vehicle crossover. New concrete work for a vehicle crossover or access on public land needs a vehicular crossing approval.
Refer to the City Plan.
For more information, go to the driveways and vehicular crossings page.
Council services
It is common for Council services such as water, stormwater and sewer to be located within the setback area where you may want to build. You can find service location details by doing a search (GIS location or service) or through our open data website.
Setbacks
Refer to our Building Advisory Notes for acceptable outcomes when designing within setback areas, which are also summarised below.
| Carport |
Maximum |
| Height (flat roof, skillion, hip) |
3.0m |
| Height (gable) |
3.5m |
| Width (outside pier support) |
6.0m |
| Width (eaves) |
7.2m |
| Front setback to allow for gutter |
0.15m |
| Class 10a building or structure |
| Height |
3.5m |
| Length along boundary |
9.0m |
| Distance to adjoining habitable room window |
1.5m |
Other carport design requirements
- The gradient of the floor of the carport must comply with the Australian Standards. It is the responsibility of the Assessment Manager (private building certifier), to ensure that the gradient design is acceptable prior to the issue of the Development Approval for Building Work.
- Any carport should be constructed using materials with patterns, textures and colours compatible with those of the main dwelling.
More information
A building designer, architect or private building certifier may be able to help you with the design and approval process.
For setback enquiries, contact us on 07 5582 8708 or email: mail@goldcoast.qld.gov.au
For building enquiries, contact the Building Certification Group on 07 5667 5978 or email: mail@goldcoast.qld.gov.au