Understanding Carport Installation and Building Requirements in South Africa

Short Answer – South African building requirements according to the National Building Regulations state that “any carport or shelter (for cars, caravans, or boats) with an area up to 40m^2 does not need official approval, But you will need to inform your local municipality of the building project.

A carport is a structure designed to provide shelter for a motor vehicle, caravan, or boat with walls on not more than two sides. In South Africa, this definition is based on the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (Act 103 of 1977). Open-sided car, caravan, or boat shelters, or carports that do not exceed 40 square metres in size, are considered minor building works under the Act.

Building Requirements for Carport Installation

According to the Sans10400 website, any structural building work that is defined as “minor building work” requires approval by the local authority’s building control officer before any work can commence. While plans are not required, it is still necessary to seek approval from the local council. Therefore, it is recommended to check with the local council to determine whether approval is required to build a carport.

What Construction Requires Building Plans

Building plans are required for new homes, additions, alterations, and internal alterations such as walls removed, raised or lowered, door and window changes, change of use of a room, conversion of a carport to a garage, existing patio enclosure, mezzanine floor addition, and material changes.

What Construction Does Not Require Building Plans

Minor works such as braais without a chimney, garden sheds less than 3 m, gates for cars not on pavements or city’s land, replacement of windows or doors, minor repairs to a house or shop, new appliances or fittings, provided that no new or extended drainage or plumbing is required, are exempted from building plan approval.

Cost of Carport Installation in South Africa

The cost of a carport installation in South Africa will depend on various factors such as the size, materials used, and whether approval is required or not. It is best to consult with professionals to determine the cost of a carport installation based on specific requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, building a carport in South Africa requires approval from the local council, even if plans are not required. It is recommended to work with accredited practitioners to ensure compliance with building regulations. Additionally, it is essential to check with the local council to determine the specific building requirements and whether approval is necessary. Consultation with professionals is also necessary to determine the cost of carport installation based on specific needs.