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Temporary buildings and portable buildings are often discussed together, but do these two terms truly mean the same thing, or do their differences indicate a need for distinction? Temporary structures and portable structures are easily transported and installed, which is their most defining characteristic and the primary reason many people interchange the terms when referring to either one.
What are temporary structures or portable buildings used for? Temporary buildings are typically employed by organizations seeking short-term space solutions, and various industries rely on them for warehouses, storage, workshops, or loading areas. They are also popular for temporary kiosks, information desks, tailgating events, market stalls, first aid stations, arts and craft fairs, or even providing cover for movers or shade for mechanics. Initially, these buildings were designed for farmers to protect hay in the fields from moisture and mold, safeguarding their supplies for livestock.
If you’re investing in a new vehicle or RV, especially one requiring payments, do you really want to risk it being damaged by a poorly constructed temporary structure? On the other hand, portable structures are designed for easy relocation between sites, often crisscrossing miles for temporary use. These versatile options frequently include lightweight carports, which can be utilized for carport installation, or barn-style buildings available online or from roadside vendors in rural areas. Nonetheless, many cities are imposing stricter building codes regarding the use of these as permanent buildings.
Most budget-friendly portable structures are labeled strictly for temporary use. Typically, these are lower-grade “blow-away” units priced around $799 or potentially more. Conversely, higher-end portable structures can cost three to five times more than the cheaper alternatives and are built to last. They may incorporate enhanced roof framing, bracing members, and may be modified or anchored to in-ground concrete footings or piers, enabling them to function as more permanent structures depending on their engineering and classification. However, the cost of modifying one of these quality units can bring you close to the expense of constructing a permanent building.
Carports and Patio Covers of Oklahoma
www.carportsandpationcoversofok.com
405-832-0444
Temporary / Portable type structures
Patio Cover / Carport - KITS
All building products should be utilized for their intended purposes, especially when it comes to ensuring compliance with local building codes. Most temporary structures or portable carports are designed to be lightweight, which aids in cost-effective packaging, shipping, and ease of handling in stores. These products often come in multiple boxes. The DIY kits or portable structures sold by Club, Big Box, and Garden stores may not always adhere to local building codes, making it wise and prudent to check with your local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) before purchasing or placing a down payment on any structure.
Typically, these structures are rated for a maximum load of 10 pounds per square foot (PSF), a specification critical for consumers to consider. They are intended for temporary use only, like tents, and should be dismantled after their short-term use. The pounds per square foot (PSF) load rating determines the strength of a structure's frame and its capacity to handle weight, accounting for live loads and the effects of snow and wind when installed correctly. Some providers of these DIY kits may offer an upgraded version with higher PSF ratings, featuring larger poles and cross beams, enabling the frame to support greater live loads. Structures with a 20 PSF live load rating can handle heavier lifting and can serve as permanent structures if engineered and installed correctly with cement piers at least 2-3 feet deep, often mandated by building codes for a building permit, especially depending on the structure’s size. Conversely, the flimsy 10 PSF rating is typically designated for temporary structures, commonly seen at arts and crafts shows and trade fairs, but are not intended for use during thunderstorms or high winds.
Every year, local news highlights how inexpensive, flimsy carport canopies can be swept away by the wind, creating dangers that first responders must tackle during emergencies. Aware of the risks posed by these temporary structures in high winds, more municipalities are starting to require building permits for safer carport installation on private property.
Most of these kit-type patio structures are manufactured in China and marketed under various brand names. Some retailers go to great lengths to obscure the original manufacturer’s origin, making grand claims about their ability to withstand 100 mph winds and heavy snow, yet they often fall short. This leaves customers frustrated, requiring them to exercise caution. I’ve encountered some products with a U.S. sales office address on the packaging, but upon opening and reading the installation manual, it is clearly labeled “Made in China!” These structures are marketed as for
What is wrong with the Temporary / portable industry
The portable carport industry faces widespread issues with structural fragility, misleading warranties, and poor business practices. Consumers frequently report that budget shelters collapse in harsh weather, while custom metal carport manufacturers struggle with severe fulfillment and warranty disputes.
Common Industry Issues:
Wind & Snow Vulnerability: Many basic, lightweight metal carports can catch the wind like sails in strong gusts or bend under the weight of heavy snow. Complaints about them collapsing during major storms are common.
Misleading "Certified" Ratings: Many consumers pay extra for wind and snow certifications, only to face denied claims when a structure bends, with manufacturers blaming "improper anchoring" or extreme weather conditions beyond warranty limits.
Fulfillment Delays & Fraud: The industry is struggling with a wave of unfulfilled orders, with some well-known companies facing investigations and even felony charges for taking hefty deposits but failing to deliver the promised structures.
Poor Installation & Customer Service: Unreliable third-party installation contractors, property damage like torn asphalt during installation, and disappearing customer support when repairs are needed are all too common. Most DIY kits stress that are very easy to put together when some customers report assembly challenges.
Assembly is time-consuming and best done with help;
Doesn't meet local minimum building code requirements.
Long delays during installation are one of the biggest issues.
Some dealers refuse to return down payment deposits when customers back out of purchase agreements.
Temporary and Portable structures can be dangerous!
On Saturday, May 25, 2024, an outdoor wedding in Woods County, Oklahoma, was disrupted by high winds. The event, held in Capron, had over 100 guests gathered to celebrate the union of Mr. McCullough and his bride-to-be, Anna. Unfortunately, the temporary structure of the wedding tent, which should have adhered to local building codes, collapsed due to the strong gusts, sending approximately 30 people to the local hospital. Thankfully, all are anticipated to recover. Most injuries were minor, consisting of scratches, cuts, and bruises, but one individual was hospitalized with a punctured lung after the incident, highlighting the importance of proper carport installation and the safety of temporary structures in outdoor events.
Carports and patio covers can lift off and fly away like UFOs if they are not properly anchored according to local building codes. Gone are the days when those mobile home-type tie-down anchors were acceptable! Most municipalities now mandate that carport installation includes anchoring them to the ground with an approved cement pier structure. Additionally, some cities require a pier inspection as part of their building permit process for both temporary structures and permanent installations. Regardless of the nature of the structure, the concrete piers must be inspected and approved by a city inspection official.
Building codes require a more permanent building solution.
We call them Blow-A-Ways carports because that’s what often happens to them. Sold by various roadside vendors and available online, these carports are designed for temporary structures and portability. They are not built to meet specific building codes, nor are they intended for long-term use like permanent structures, making carport installation quick and easy.
Rules and Regulations
The building permit requirements for carports and patio covers vary significantly across America, as local building codes and zoning laws dictate the necessity of a permit based on a range of factors. These include:
Size: What is the size of the structure?
Location: Where is it located on your property?
Use: What is the intended use of the structure?
Connection: How is it attached to the surface or existing structures?
Setbacks: What are the distances from each property line—front, back, and sides?
Height: How tall is the structure?
Regional Climate Conditions: Locations prone to adverse weather—such as heavy snowfall, intense rainfall, tornadoes, hurricanes, or high winds—enforce stricter building codes and specific requirements to ensure the integrity of the structure.
Standard building codes mandate that carports be designed, engineered, and certified to withstand wind loads of either 90 mph or 115 mph, depending on which regulations have been adopted. While older building codes from 2019 allowed for lower requirements, newer standards set the bar for higher wind loads.
Most temporary structures are typically designed only to meet a 50-mph wind load at best. Many of these DIY or kit options lack robust design engineering or certified testing. Though portable structures may not be banned, they are highly regulated in favor of more permanent building solutions that are intended to be lasting fixtures on your property. These structures are often constructed with heavier, more durable materials compared to the flimsy, cheaply made temporary structures, making them better equipped to withstand the harsher weather conditions common in our regions of the USA for many years.
Cities are tightening building codes and zoning rules related to carport installation to enhance safety, preserve neighborhood aesthetics, and manage urban growth. As communities expand, these regulations are updated to prevent potential issues. They dictate where a carport can be located on a property, how close it can be to the street, and the required anchoring methods to secure it to the ground and driveway surface.
Most municipalities prefer that only permanent building solutions are erected within their city limits and jurisdiction, driving the enactment of more stringent building regulations. Some municipalities even require that portable structures be attached to an existing permanent structure on your property for enhanced safety. In rural communities, however, building restrictions may be minimal compared to those in larger cities, resulting in a greater prevalence of portable building solutions. That said, the less aesthetically pleasing and poorly constructed temporary structures might be viewed as unattractive or an eyesore.
In June 2026, we experienced a Derecho, a widespread, long-lived, and fast-moving straight-line windstorm with winds exceeding 58-130 mph. In the aftermath of this derecho, many portable temporary structures, such as carports built with lightweight tubing, were destroyed because they weren't designed to withstand such destructive high winds. On the evening of July 4th, 2026, a powerful storm swept through the south Oklahoma City area, unleashing winds over 93 mph, with gusts causing significant damage in Norman, OK. Old trees that had stood the test of time were toppled, breaking apart under the force. This year, 2026, will be remembered as a high wind year and serves as a reminder to build with such extreme weather events in mind.
The frame, legs, and roofing beams of any structure are essential for handling stress and preventing collapse. Some kit-type carports can barely support themselves without any additional strain. In our area, we need to adhere to building codes that accommodate higher wind loads, ensuring structures remain grounded. To prevent this, any carport installation must include proper cement footings or be anchored to a concrete slab to avoid being lifted into the air.
Each municipality has its own building codes. In regions with higher wind loads, poorly constructed portable or temporary structures can easily be dismantled by the wind, creating dangerous debris that poses serious risks to First Responders during high wind events or tornadoes. As a result, some cities that previously didn't require building permits for such structures now mandate them.
Several local municipalities have updated their regulations to prohibit surface mounting posts or pinning them to concrete surfaces. Instead, they now require deeper, larger concrete footings installed below ground level, along with inspections by local building inspectors to help ensure structures remain secure.
Homeowners Associations (HOAs) also have specific rules regarding carport installations on properties in Oklahoma. Before beginning construction, it's essential to submit detailed plans to your HOA board for approval to avoid potential fines or the forced removal of your structure. If you are part of an HOA, take the initiative to research the requirements in your area. Review your community's CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) and bylaws to determine the exact carport rules that apply to your neighborhood.
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