Often, when we talk about building codes in relation to carports and portable garages on this blog, we reference articles that discuss changes. However, one recent article presents building codes for an area, Hot Springs, South Dakota, from a local building inspector. The full article can be read here. The building codes presented in the article under the link appear to be typical, and the author gives some good advice in terms of the procedure before purchasing a portable shelter. Here are some points made:
• Adding any structure like a portable garage requires a building permit to be obtained first. This is done by filling out an application with the local Building Department with building plans included.
• The location of the shelter is important. In the case of Hot Springs, a carport or portable garage must be 25 feet from the street, eight feet from interior property boundaries, and five feet from the property line.
• No portable structure is to be placed in the front yard, even if the area is pave.
• Be aware of the size of the structure. According to Hot Springs building codes, no more than 30 percent of the property lot can be taken up by portable structures, including sheds. If you plan to add a carport and a shed together, plan beforehand to see how much space the two structures take up.
• As soon as a carport has two or more enclosed walls, it is considered a garage, for which different building codes exist. One of them includes keeping your structure anchored.
While some of these codes may be unique to Hot Springs, others appear to apply to anyone wanting to add a portable shelter. In general, check with your local building department about adding a carport or portable garage, even if you don’t plan to anchor it.
