Brisbane Carports and Garages

Does my Brisbane carport or garage need a Development Application?

In some cases Brisbane carports and garages will require a development application (town planning application) to be submitted to Council.

Below we have created a few simple steps to identify if your carport or garage will trigger an application requirement. 

Step 1: Determine if you have a carport or garage. 

The Queensland Development Code defines an open carport as:

an open carport is defined as a carport with-

(a) two sides or more open, and a side is also considered open where the roof covering adjacent to that side is not less than 500mm from another building or a side or rear allotment boundary; and

(b) not less than one-third or its perimeter open

If your structure does not meet the above requirements, it is defined as a garage. 

Step 2: Determine if you have a small lot or Standard lot

Brisbane City Plan 2014 defines a small lot as: 

A lot which is:

1. less than 450m2; or
2. a rear lot of less than 600m2 excluding an access way.

If you do not have a small lot. You can skip to step 3. 

If you have a small lot the following carport situations will not trigger a development application:

1. 1 single carport where:
   • maximum depth 6m, excluding eaves;
   • maximum width 3m, excluding eaves;
2. 1 double carport where:
   • maximum depth 6m, excluding eaves;
   • maximum width 6m, excluding eaves;
   • minimum side boundary setback 1.5m;
   • minimum front boundary setback 2m;
   • maximum crossover width 4.5m;
   • where on a lot with a street frontage width of 15m or greater, and the total building footprint of the dwelling and carport does not exceed 50%.