What Happens If I Build A Carport Without A Permit

Are you thinking of installing a brand new metal carport to cover your vehicles or in the process of installing a new metal RV cover? Have you secured the permit for it? Wondering if you really need a permit for a carport, as they are open structures? Let’s learn about it in-depth.

What Metal Carport Is – The Legal Definition?

What appears to be a simple roof-only cover has a precise definition by the International Code Council. As per their definition , a carport should be open from at least two sides, and its floor must be made of a non-combustible material.

If your carport is not open from at least two sides, it will be considered a garage. For example, a 30’ wide, 40’ long, and 12’ high steel carport with two fully enclosed sides can be considered a carport, but if you choose to close more sides or add end walls, it will become a garage.

You must note that apart from ICC, there are local building codes & guidelines whose definition of carport may vary with county, city, & state. So, it is best to check in with your local municipality before finalizing a carport design.

What Are Local Building Codes?

These are sets of guidelines by local authorities to ensure the structure you are installing on your property is safe & secured for use. These regulations can be relaxed or stringent based on the location and severity of the weather. But do you really need a permit for metal building installation? Let’s see.

Can I Install Any Metal Building Without A Permit?

Though each state has different rules and regulations, here are some of the cases where you MAY NOT require a permit for installation:

• A carport which is less than 12’ wide and 20’ long.
• Shorter than 15 ft. in height.
• No electrical lines in the carport
• No human occupants
• It is not a permanent structure.
• It’s free-standing.

Note that the above list is just a generalization and should not be taken as legal advice. We encourage you to always check in with your local building & zoning laws before designing & installing a metal carport.

What Really Happens When You Build A Metal Carport Without A Permit

The consequences of building a 2 car metal carport without a permit will also vary from one location to another. For those places where permit is mandatory, you may face:

1. Legal Action & Potential Fines For Non-Compliance

You can face legal action for violating local building codes and regulations, such as fines, penalties, a potential lawsuit for local authorities or affected parties, etc.

Installing a metal one car carport without a permit may lead to an initial warning & fine of $500 to $1000 or more. The second and further warning will have higher penalties.

2. Stop-Work Orders

You may be ordered to stop the work in progress until you have obtained a proper permit. This will delay the project and may increase construction costs.

3. Demolition

In the worst-case scenario, you may be asked to remove the entire structure of your property. Not only will it be a waste of time, but also effort & money.

4. Impact On Property Value

A property with a carport structure without a permit won’t be lucrative to new home buyers, thereby affecting your property rating negativity. Are you wondering whether a pre-built metal building requires a permit? Well, in most cases, it does.

5. Insurance Coverage Issues

Any insurance claim may get rejected due to the carport was built without a permit. You may not be able to recover lost money in that case.

Risks Of Safety Hazards & Structural Issues Without Proper Permits

• Your carport may not meet the set guidelines for fire safety measures, which can increase the risk of fire damage.
• It can also lead to electrical shocks or fire issues due to short circuits.
• Your carport may collapse if it does not meet guidelines for structural stability during harsh weather conditions.
• The carport may lack crucial structural support, leading to instability in the future.
• Not having correct anchors can result in shifting the entire structure or tipping over.

Overview Of The Permit Process For Installing A Metal Carport

Check Permit Requirement: Verify with your local building department to know if you need a permit for your project. For instance, in North Carolina, a zoning & building permit is required for carports greater than 12 ft. The permit process for a metal building will vary with design, size, and location.

Submit Application: If you need a permit, submit an application for review to be sure your design & size comply with all local codes.

Review Process: Your application is reviewed by the building department, which may involve examining your plan and site inspection.

Approval & Permit Fee: On approval of your application, you will need to pay a permit fee [depending on size, design, location, purpose of carport, etc.].

Construction & Inspections: Once the installation begins, you can schedule an inspection to make sure your carport is being built as per the plan and meets all standards.

Final Approval: After installation is complete [4 to 5 hours for a simple metal carport] and all inspection is passed, you will receive final approval from the department.

Steps To Take If You Have Already Built A Steel Carport Without Permit

• Contact the local building department and inform them about the unpermitted structure for further necessary guidance on what to do.
• You can apply for a retroactive permit, including the size, height, material, and location of installation.
• You must arrange for an inspection to check if your current carport complies with local rules.
• You will have to pay the fees of fine [if any] related to the installed carport.
• You will need to comply with all the corrections asked to be made to the structure.
• Once you have modified all requirements, you can get final approval from the building department.

Is Not Having A Permit For Metal 2 Car Carport Worth All That Trouble?

It’s not worth skipping the permit process since you may end up wasting a lot more time and money post-installation. So, it is always best to check in with the local building department.

A steel carport with a simple design won’t take much time to get erected, and you can order it from our website or, better, design it yourself using our 3D designing tools. Once you are satisfied with your design, you can request a FREE quote from us.

Stay Covered With Carports Advisor

We understand that the permit process can be tedious, but it is worth the effort. After all, a sturdy steel carport is going to stay on your lot for decades to come. If you are planning to build a new metal car cover for your property, you can speak with our team at (336)-914-1654. They are well-versed in most local codes and will guide you from design to installation of your metal carport.