Carports are usually considered a product that makes it simple for homeowners to find space for vehicles when a garage doesn’t have enough space. The usefulness of such an item is hard to deny, especially when it costs significantly more than construct an addition to a home instead of just purchasing a temporary carport. However, some people have had trouble with the administration from their towns and cities when it comes to these structures. I have mentioned stories about portable buildings like sheds being banned in areas once or twice before, but I also thought that carports were safe. Apparently not.
According to a piece in the North Shore News, a Vancouver resident has been told by town officials to take down a carport on his property. The story says that the major concern is a possible collapse of the structure:
“Carter said the District of North Vancouver informed him his temporary carport could be overwhelmed by a snow load and wouldn’t qualify for a permit under the B.C. Building Code. After being granted a three-month extension, Carter is now facing a $175 fine, but said he has no plans to let the Nissan go without a roof.”
Out of spite, Carter has decided to keep the structure up, regardless of the implications:
“Brett Dwyer, manager of development services for the municipality, said temporary carports, which usually look like tents, tend to violate two bylaws. Dwyer said the temporary structures can also run afoul of the district’s zoning bylaw, which deals with what he called “accessory structures.”
In this district, the fact that the carport is in the front of Carter’s house is the main issue. This point highlights the need for homeowners to look into local restrictions before putting up a carport on a piece of property. You may need the carport for car storage, but that may mean getting a permit or moving the structure to another spot of land. You don’t want to face a fine or have to get rid of your carport altogether.