8.3. Carports between 20 and 40 sqm in floor area – Licensed Building Practitioner

Simple carport

This exemption relates to roofed structures that are used for motor vehicle storage. To be regarded as a carport, at least one side of the structure must remain open to the outdoors at all times.

Please note: The below exemption comes into force from 31 August 2020. You will still need a building consent if your project starts before this date.

This exemption relates to roofed structures that are used for motor vehicle storage. To be regarded as a carport, at least one side of the structure must remain open to the outdoors at all times. This exemption also includes all work relating to the disposal of storm-water as it relates to the carport.

To qualify for this exemption, a homeowner must engage a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) to design, construct and/or supervise any carport with a net floor area (which is taken to be the area within the posts and/or walls supporting the roof structure) not exceeding 40 square metres and the work must be carried out in accordance with that design.

Any design or construction work done using this exemption must be carried out or supervised by a LBP. Homeowners are encouraged to seek LBPs with the right competence for this work, as this provides the best assurance.

The design work is best carried out by a LBP holding a Design licence. The construction work is best carried out by an LBP in one of the following licensing classes, as may be relevant to the building work planned to be undertaken:

  • Bricklaying and blocklaying
  • Carpentry
  • External Plastering
  • Foundations
  • Roofing

Refer to the Who can undertake exempt work section for more information about Licensed Building Practitioners.

You should check and confirm the LBPs current licensing status and licensing history before you engage them to carry out work under this exemption.

If supervision is being applied by a Licensed Building Practitioner under this exemption, that supervision must align with the Practice Note issued for Supervision by LBPs, which can be found at www.lbp.govt.nz.

If the proposed carport is between 20 and 40 square metres, exemption 44 (section 8.2) may apply.

What is exempt

  1. A homeowner wants to build a new free-standing carport. The carport will have a concrete slab on grade, be open on all sides, and have a net floor area of 25 square metres. As the owner has contracted a Licensed Building Practitioner to undertake the design, construction and/or supervise the building work, a building consent is not required.
  2. A courier company intends to build a 35 square metre carport. The carport will be open on three sides and attached to the existing single storey depot building. As the owners have contracted a Licensed Building Practitioner to undertake the design, construction and/or supervise the building work, a building consent is not required.

What needs consent

  1. Constructing a new free-standing carport with a net floor area of 43 square metres which will be open on all sides. As it exceeds 40 square metres in floor area, a building consent is required.

What the law says

18A. Carports exceeding 20, but not exceeding 40, square metres in floor area

1. Building work in connection with a carport if—

(a). any design or construction work is carried out or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner; and

(b). the carport—

(i). is on the ground level; and

(ii). exceeds 20 square metres in floor area, but does not exceed 40 square metres.

This information is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Chief Executive. It is a general guide only and, if used, does not relieve any person of the obligation to consider any matter to which the information relates according to the circumstances of the particular case. Expert advice may be required in specific circumstances. Where this information relates to assisting people: