METAL CARPORT FOR THE CAMPER

Boatycall

Do you happen to know the setback distance rules in Wa for a metal carport such as the ones being discussed? Rear and sides.

Thanks
John

I just had one installed by Carolina Carports. It is a 24 x 31 with 12' sides. The center is just a tad over 15'. Cost was right at $4000.00 for the carport and $3000.00 for the concrete pad. It has engineered drawings. Good for up to 150 mph winds.

Did have to get a permit for installation. The sides come all the way to the ground. both ends open, but one end is against a concrete building already present. Very happy with the quality of the structure. Have vertical roof.

I had mine put in 4 years ago. It was made by American Steel Carports here in CA. It was made custom for my situation with a snow load, bolted to a concrete retaining wall on one side, and a newly installed 2' deep concrete foundation cut through the asphalt in my driveway on the other side. With permits, block and cement work, rebar, extra trusses, etc., etc., it was almost $5k. I knew at the time it would be expensive, but I wanted something legal, solid and worry free. It is 12ga steel with a green powder coated roof that matches the metal roof on my workshop behind it. You can see both roofs from my deck. Both have vertical roofs that the snow slides off when it warms up even a little after a storm. The legs on the side that goes to the ground are 10' high.. It's 14 x 24' as this was the absolute largest that would fit in the space. It allows a nice covered walk through to my front gate during rain or snow up here. I also knew that in a number of years I'd be doing a major expansion on my house, Literally doubling the size of it and adding a 2 car garage big enough for the TC, etc. so I thought that the $5k divided over) 8 years was only $400 per year. That's cheap for RV storage and it will remain after the remodel for guests to park under. It makes for a great guest house there when I’m not camping and I'm really happy with it! :)
You absolutely won’t regret sheltering your camper! It offers a great piece of mind!
Good luck!
Dak

I looked into these EXTREMELY thoroughly. I've decided I'm saving a few extra pennies and going with stick-built w/ trusses and regular composite shingle roof.

Several reasons--
* In WA state (I don't know about OR), ANYTHING covering more than 200sq' of ground requires a permit. And they were VERY clear on this - anything over 200sq'. Several of these metal carports are on sale "used" on craigslist because the owners did not get a permit, and got caught and red-tagged.

* To get one of these permitted required engineered drawings, 12ga metal instead of 14ga, and approval. Almost doubles the cost. I priced a 26*24 @ around $4k for it to be legit with a permit.

* Stick built raises your property value

* If you do go with metal, go 12ga and not 14ga, small price but much better durability and warranty. Likewise, go with augers and not the base-price rebar rods. One good wind storm and over they go.


Stick built, legit, and permitted for me will run around $9k from the bids I've gotten so far. That's on 6x6 posts, beams and engineered trusses.

The installers will set these things anywhere, concrete pad, black top pad, gravel, or grass. Mobile home anchors are like long augers that screw into the ground. They use them if the carport cannot be anchored to concrete.
Its the customers choice if you want enclosed sides, backs, etc. Or you can run the side walls down half way, quarter of way, etc. Its all what you want and what you want to pay for.
Your local govt body will determine how permanent the structure is. They are all different. Some consider the structure permanent and taxable as long as its mounted on concrete or a soild footer. Others do not. The best thing is to check with your local zoning or building office because all else off this forum is only a guess.

The sides are just the frame. Not hardsided.

2BLAZERS wrote:

billtex wrote:
I am curious; what does tha include?
Is there a poured pad?
What material is the framing?
Any other info helpful.

Tx, B

It is the sides and roof, with mobile home tie downs into the ground. It will be going on my side yard which is about 6'' of gravel where we use to have grass. it is 14 gauge painted steel.

blazers can get a little more clarification;
side? It has sidewalls? So it is completey enclosed?
MH tie downs? What is that?
If you use MH tie downs does that mean it is not considered "permanent structure" (taxes)?
Wood frame? Metal frame?
I assume you prepped the gravel pad?

Sorry for all questions...but I am interested in doing similar...

I went with Coast to Coast for about the same price, but mine is 24' x 34' with a 14' height and half sides.

Snow load: the standard building can withstand 25IB snow load which should be plenty for us in western Oregon.

wcmbinc.com is the company which seems similiar to many other local metal companies around the country.