Relevant rules in the Regulation:

  • Schedule 1, Part1.4, Division 1.4.2, Section 1.43

Carports and shade structures are class 10a structures. They have different exemption criteria, depending on the roofing and level of enclosure.

Unenclosed class 10a structures are exempt from DA approval if:

  • the roof plan area isn’t more than 50m²
  • there are no more than 2 walls on the sides
  • no part of the building extends beyond any relevant solar building envelope
  • it’s no more than 3m above datum ground level. But the structure can be as high as 4m above ground level if no part is higher than a 30° plane – see the image below
  • it has a floor, and:
    • the finished floor level is no more than 0.4mabove datum ground level for any part within 1.5mof a side or rear boundary, and
    • it's 1m above finished ground level in any other case.
  • it is behind the building line.

There’s extra criteria if you’re building an exempt class 10 structure within 1.5m of a side or rear block boundary when there is already an exempt class 10 structure in that area. Please refer to the second exempt building clearance area exemptions.

Also note there are separate DA exemptions for:

  • unroofed decks, patios, pergolas and terraces, and
  • external verandahs.

There may also be carport, pergola and shade structure BA exemption criteria.