Similar to garages in this instance, carports are classed as outbuildings, which generally fall under 'permitted development' rights.

Are carports exempt from building regulations?

Building a new garage attached to an existing home would normally need building regulations approval. Building a new attached carport (open on at least two sides) would not normally require building regulations approval if it is less than 30 square metres in floor area.

What size carport can I build without a permit?

A class 10a building (shed, garage, carport, veranda or patio) can only be constructed without a building permit if it has a floor area under 10m2 and is no more than 3m high (or no more than 2.4m high with 1m of the boundary of your property).