Metal carports in the OKC metro
A carport is the cheapest steel structure most homeowners buy, and also the one most likely to break a rule, because it often goes beside or in front of the house where neighbors and inspectors see it.
Oklahoma City's carport rules
Oklahoma City's code says anyone erecting a carport must get a building permit (Oklahoma City Code Ch. 59, Art. XII (Zoneomics copy)). It also sets these conditions (Oklahoma City Code Ch. 59, Art. XII (Zoneomics copy)):
- A carport is added to an existing home and goes over an existing paved driveway.
- It must be architecturally compatible with the house.
- Maximum width is 12 feet for a single and 24 feet for a double, measured eave to eave, and one carport is allowed per dwelling.
- It must stay open on at least two sides, or three sides if it sits in the front setback, and no closer than 5 feet to the front property line.
A 20-foot-wide two-car carport fits inside the 24-foot double cap. A 26-foot or wider RV carport would not.
Oklahoma County
Outside city limits, the county fee schedule counts carports when it charges 25 cents per square foot, with a $25 minimum (Oklahoma County residential permit requirements). For a 20x20 carport, that math is $100.
What carports sell for
Two Oklahoma sellers list 20x20 carports at $1,660.05 on sale (ARK Metal Shelters 20x20x8 carport listing) and $2,215 (Eagle Carports Oklahoma price list), both plus tax. Taller vertical-roof styles with gable ends cost more; Eagle lists a 20x20x8 vertical roof unit with extra panels at $2,810 (Eagle Carports Oklahoma price list).
Anchoring
Keen's Buildings says small carports can go on compacted gravel with engineered ground anchors, while larger buildings need a concrete pad (Keen's Buildings Oklahoma page). Ask any seller what anchors come with the price and what wind rating the drawings carry.
Questions to ask
- Will you pull the permit, or do I?
- Is the price delivered and installed, and does it include anchors?
- Does the width, measured eave to eave, fit my city's cap?