Author: coronaprojects..

Are you looking to design and build a carport or garage?

Obtaining Council or Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) approval is vital prior to the construction of your garage or carport. Building without approval will most likely result in a demolition order or the issuance of a fine.

Corona Projects can help you obtain the necessary Council approval to build your carport or garage, leading you through the process, step by step. Our team offers you application, construction and project management services to ensure that all you need to do is pick the colour of the paint!

What type of application do you need to build a garage?

A carport or garage can be applied for using a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), a Development Application (DA) or a Building Information Certificate (BIC). The process for approval is determined by the state and local planning legislation, specifically the State Environmental Planning Policies (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008, LEP and DCP. In other words, you have no control over the compliance rules that you face.

There are a few general rules that apply to a carport or garage:

• The addition or alteration must not exceed the site coverage and associated setbacks of the lot.
• Within most residentially zoned sites, carports are to be built on land that has a site area that exceeds 200m2 with 6-8 metres width.
• Carports are not to exceed 4.8 metres in height and must be setback at least 5.5 metres from the front site boundary.
• Garage doors must have a width of 3.2 metres if located facing the road on property width of 8-12 metres.
• If the front property width exceeds 12 metres, the garage doors must be 6 metres wide.

State and local planning legislation provide further details on what is required and whether these controls apply to your site specifically.

The Corona Projects team is familiar with all this planning legislation and we are able to provide advice as to which of these options is available to you and then make the applications on your behalf.

When does your garage qualify for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC)?

To be certain of the planning controls that apply to your site, we would obtain a Section 10.7 Planning Certificate from your Local Council, outlining the permissible development on your site.

If your garage or carport does not comply with the Complying Development, we would need to must apply for a DA approval from your Local Council.

Why is a CDC the best options for building a garage?

A CDC is the nirvana of council application approvals. It is much shorter than submitting a DA Approval to Council, but the downside is that it’s not as flexible. The carport or garage design, location, size and appearance must comply with all the relevant government controls. We can assist with drafting, town planning and project management services to ensure your application meets these controls.

When is Council Approval or a CDC not required?

If your garage or carport complies with the Except Development as specified in the State Environmental Planning Policies (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) you may not require any approval by Council or the authorities.

What happens I have already built my carport or garage without approval?

If your carport or garage has already been built without approval, you can still attain approval with the help of a Building Information Certificate (BIC).

The Corona Team can help submit this application to council on your behalf so come to us if you are in a pickle!

Common issues associated with carport or garage approval

Certifying authorities have stricter regulations on sites with heritage significance. If your property is listed as a Local or State Heritage Item, or located within a Heritage Conservation Area, the ability for you to construct a carport or garage may be restricted. Your development may even need to be located at the rear of the property.

In addition, properties located on environmentally sensitive land will also limit your ability to build a garage or carport. If your development has a significant impact on the environment within these zones, it may be rejected.

So how do you ensure that your design meets compliance standards? With the help of the Corona Projects team of course.

We can ensure your DA or CDC for the addition or alteration of a carport or garage is submitted correctly to avoid delay and unnecessary costs. Corona Projects have experienced town planners that can help you with this preparation and lodgement process.

The information provided will vary depending on your property and it is always recommended that you consult a Town Planner prior to undergoing development works.

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