Carport recommendations and advice

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sibel

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#318320 6-Jan-2025 20:28

We live in the Selwyn District, and wishing to build a caravan carport (not attached to the house). I would greatly appreciate some advice with the following:

What are the rules around sizing?
Are there any rules around how close to a boundary the build can be?
Do the above change if it is enclosed?
Are there any other rules to consider?
What might your experience be?

Many thanks from a first time poster ! :-)

BlakJak

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#3328458 6-Jan-2025 21:30

... have you talked to your council?

These rules are set within your local council plans and so are going to vary geographically ... maybe start with your local authority.

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Wheelbarrow01

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Chorus

#3328513 7-Jan-2025 01:03

For specific advice on what you are or are not permitted to do at your particular property, I strongly recommend you phone Selwyn District Council and ask to speak to the Duty Planner. They can provide general advice as well as information specific to your property, as rules vary depending on whether your property is urban or rural (Selwyn has a mixture of both).

More generally speaking, carports with a roof/floor area less than 20m2 do not require a building consent (up to 40m2 if designed and supervised by a licenced building practitioner).

If a carport is to be constructed close to a boundary (generally within 1.5 metres in an urban setting), it may require Resource Consent ($1500+), but a Deemed Permitted Boundary Activity application may suffice so long as you can gain written permission from any affected neighbours - this is a cheaper option at $600 according to the SDC schedule of costs.

Re your question around enclosing it, again it may vary by council - from memory I think 1-2 sides can be enclosed, but any more than that and it's likely to be classified as a garage/shed.

The only other rule to consider is the one about recession planes - ie the position and height of your proposed carport relative to the sun and the shading of neighbouring properties by your carport. This is one to consider especially if your carport will be taller than standard to accommodate the extra height of a caravan.

Again, the duty planner at the council can advise you on all these aspects. They do not charge for an initial chat over the phone.

Jase2985

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#3328540 7-Jan-2025 09:19

Have you even looked through the Selwyn District Council website to see what info you can find about it? there is heaps of info on there, just spend 30-60 mins having a look round and i would be surprised if you didn't find most if not all your answers

Mehrts

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#3328832 7-Jan-2025 19:18

Are you familiar with carports in general?

Reason why I ask, is because I used to have a carport at my place, and it was a pain in the butt for anything parked under it due to dust and bird crap accummulating, but never having the rain to wash it off.

I replaced it with a larger garage which solved these problems.

Stu1

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#3328847 7-Jan-2025 19:52

Definitely talk to council or check the local district plan, car ports can count towards the total % of buildings allowed on your property. Our car port is great as don’t have an attached garage . Haven had any issues with dust or birds but mine is attached to the house

sibel

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#3329378 8-Jan-2025 21:11

Thanks all for the advice - haven’t had time to ring the council or navigate their website ! Alas, it’s on the to do list.

We were thinking one of those kit set jobs. Plenty of space, even to allow a good set back.

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Goosey

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#3329433 9-Jan-2025 08:12

sibel: Thanks all for the advice - haven’t had time to ring the council or navigate their website ! Alas, it’s on the to do list.

We were thinking one of those kit set jobs. Plenty of space, even to allow a good set back.

Most kit set suppliers should be able to offer a complete service e.g. scope, plan, gain consent and build.

Without a doubt there will be local council requirements and rules/requirements and if you are planning to manage this yourself then strongly suggest you start with organising time to call the Selwyn District Council and ask some basic questions and they will put you in the right direction.

yall end up suffering and suffering financially if you think you can simply build without following their rules.