Carport or garage and converting a garage to a habitable room

Multiple dwellings and commercial developments

All carports and garages associated with multiple dwellings or commercial developments will require Development (Planning) Approval. Proceed to Step 2.

Converting a carport or garage approval requirements

Development (Planning) Approval is required for a conversion if:

• It is visible from the street and does not use materials or finishes that match the main dwelling.
• The proposed conversion will have an opening to a habitable room set back less than 1.5m from a side or rear lot boundary.
• The onsite car parking provided does not meet the requirements of the R-Codes, usually requiring two parking bays.

Residential single house or grouped dwelling

Development (Planning) Approval is generally not required if you meet the following requirements:

• Garage and carport specifications: Garages on single-storey properties must not exceed 50% of the property's frontage , which is the width of the lot at the primary street setback line, determined by its R-Code. Carports should allow clear views between the house and the street, matching the house in terms of materials, roof design, and pitch.

• Driveway and landscaping: New driveways and hardstand areas require that at least half of the street setback area is landscaped. Contact the City if you need assistance. See our Crossover Guidelines for detailed information.
• Setbacks and open space: Your property's specific setback and open space requirements are determined by its R-Code. These guidelines ensure adequate spacing between buildings and property boundaries.
• Special considerations for certain areas: If your property is within a structure plan area or designated as a Housing Opportunity Area with dual density codes, there may be additional rules concerning landscaping or tree removal.

Not sure of your R-Code or if your property is in a structure plan area? Insert your address into our online mapping system to view the R-Code and structure plan details. Contact the City of you need assistance.

Setback and open space requirements

The setback and open space requirements depend on your property's R-Code density. 

Important note: For minimum side or rear setback, a boundary wall (where the wall is setback closer than 600mm to a side or rear boundary) may be permitted where it is behind the street setback and meets the length and height requirements of the R-Codes, Residential Development Local Planning Policy or Development in Housing Opportunity Areas Local Planning Policy (as applicable).

R-Code - R20

• Minimum open space: 50%
• Minimum garage street setback: 
  • Street the house faces: 4.5m and 0.5m behind the front of the house with all the buildings having an average street setback of 6m.
  • Side loading garages: Can be setback 3m where the windows are incorporated into the street façade and all buildings have an average setback of 6m.
• Other streets (corner property): 1.5m.
• Minimum carport street setback:
  • Street the house faces: 3m with all the buildings having an average street setback of 6m.
  • Other streets (corner property): 1.5m
  • The carport is required to match the dwelling in respect to materials, roof design, roof pitch and colour and no wider than 60% of the property frontage.
• Minimum side or rear setback:
  • Length 10-14m: 1m
  • Length more than 14m: 1.5m
  • The total length includes the length of the carport or garage and any attached structures.
• Maximum driveway width (at the street boundary):
  • One driveway: 6m
  • Two driveways: A total aggregate width of 9m, with a minimum spacing of 0.5m between them.

Dual density R-codes

Please note: The following requirements only apply if you develop the property at the higher density code. If not developed to the higher density, adhere to the R20 setback requirements.

If your project does not comply with the requirements set out in Step 1 above, you will need to apply for Development (Planning) Approval. This requires submitting an application form, along with building plans and a cover letter. Application fees will apply.

For detailed information, refer to the Requirements for Planning Applications page.

A Building Permit is required for building or converting a garage or carport.

The National Construction Code sets nationwide standards for building design and construction, focusing on safety, health, and amenity.

To convert a garage or carport to a room:

• Continuous wall cavity: The walls of the new addition must maintain a continuous cavity with the existing dwelling.
• Minimum height: The floor to ceiling height must be a minimum of 2.4m.
• Moisture and termite prevention: Noting that carport floors are typically constructed without a waterproof membrane or termite barrier, the application must detail methods to prevent moisture ingress into the new room.
• Natural light and ventilation: Natural light and ventilation must be maintained for all existing rooms.
• Smoke detectors: Hardwired smoke detectors must be installed to protect all existing and proposed bedrooms.
• Engineering details: Applications may require engineering details.
• Power meter box relocation: Any existing meter box within the proposed enclosure must be relocated to an external wall.

You have two options when applying for a Building Permit:

• Certified application: Lodge a BA1 form, accompanied by a Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3 form) signed by a registered building surveyor, confirming compliance with building standards.
• Uncertified application: Lodge a BA2 form, and the completed Uncertified Building Application Checklist – Outbuilding (PDF). If converting the carport or garage to a habitable space, you will also need to complete the Checklist - Dwelling and Habitable Additions (PDF).

You can download BA1 and BA2 forms from the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website. 

For more detailed information, including the application form, checklist, assessment process, and fees can be found on the Requirements for Building Applications page.