Apex, NC Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Apex UDO Sec. 5.2.7.E expressly addresses unattached carports in the dimensional standards encroachment table: 'Can be located no closer than 5 ft from the side or rear property line.' Sec. 5.2.7.B.1 limits the structure to 35 percent of the area of the required yard and at least 10 ft from the principal building. Sec. 5.2.7.B.2 prohibits carports in the front yard unless at least 60 ft from the front property line. Sec. 5.2.7.C limits carport height to no more than 5 ft above the principal building. Sec. 5.2.7.D requires a 10 ft minimum setback from the side lot line abutting the street on a corner lot. UDO Sec. 4.5.3.B requires accessory structures in residential zones to be constructed of similar materials and colors as the main dwelling — but accessory structures 12 ft x 12 ft (144 sq ft) or smaller are exempt from this requirement. Attached carports follow the principal-building setbacks of the underlying zoning district per UDO Sec. 5.1.1; for typical single-family lots that means: RA 30 ft front / 15 ft side / 25 ft rear; RR 40/15/25; LD 25/8 min (20 total)/25; MD 25/6 min (16 total)/20; HDSF 15/8/15; MH 25/8/25. UDO Sec. 5.2.2.B.4 lets attached cantilevers and similar projections encroach 6 ft into the front or rear setback (no closer than 3 ft to any line) but not into side setbacks. Construction requires a building permit through Apex Building Inspections under the 2018 NC Residential Code with engineered anchorage for wind uplift (Wake County is in the 115 mph basic wind speed zone). Permanently enclosing a carport with walls is a structural alteration converting it to a garage, triggering a new building permit and full NC Residential Code requirements (fire separation, garage door, vehicle barrier).