Carport

Helpful Resources

A building permit is required for the installation of any carport. Many neighborhoods have their own distinct rules for accessory structures. Some of these rules are City Ordinances and some are private deed/HOA restrictions. The City will enforce City Ordinances, but it is the homeowner's responsibility to know and abide by private deed/HOA restrictions.

Plan submittal requirements

One property survey or scaled drawing (1 inch equals 20 feet minimum).Carport

On the scaled drawing, draw the shape of the lot and the shape of the existing house on the lot. On the survey or scaled drawing, show the location of the carport and the distance from the carport to all property lines (front/side/rear property lines). Please show the location and size of other structures on the lot (i.e, swimming pools, retaining walls, accessory buildings, carports, detached garage, etc.) and the locations of gas and sewer service lines.

This list is a basic rule for all carports in the city. When submitting your application for permitting, the staff may enforce stricter requirements than listed here, depending upon your zoning.

  • Carports must be open on two or more sides; structures with three closed walls and/or a vehicle door are considered garages and must meet the requirements of a garage.
  • Carport parking must be on an improved surface (concrete in front yards).
  • A separate permit is required for new parking areas and new driveway approaches.
  • Carports in the front or side yards adjacent to a street:
    • Cannot be in the required front or side yard setback. This is typically 20 feet but may be up to 35 feet from the front property line depending on the neighborhood zoning.
    • Cannot be constructed of metal. It must be constructed of building materials of similar type, size, shape, texture, and colors to the building materials of the house.
  • Carports in the rear yard:
    • Must be a minimum of three feet from the rear and side property lines.
    • Must be built of typical building materials. Unpainted wood, tin, plastic, plain concrete blocks, corrugated metal, canvas, vinyl, or similar materials are not allowed.
    • Roof material must be composition shingle (if roof pitch is at least 2:12); rolled roofing; built-up roof; metal panels type R, U, S-36, 72, or A; or other materials allowed by the Building Official.
  • Carports are not allowed in the rear yards if the only access is via an unpaved alley.
  • Carports located in the rear yard that are accessed via a front entry driveway may not be constructed of metal material.