Atlanta, GA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Under Part 16 of the Atlanta Land Development Code, carports are regulated as accessory structures and must comply with the setback, height, and lot coverage rules of the underlying zoning district. Section 16-28.008 of Chapter 28 ("Required yards and open space, detailed limitations on occupancy") governs what may occupy required yards, and the residential district chapters (Chapters 4-9 covering R-1 through R-5) set front, side, and rear yard minimums. Detached carports must generally meet the same setbacks Atlanta applies to detached accessory dwellings - 7-foot side and 15-foot rear in R-4 and R-4A, and 4-foot side and 4-foot rear in R-5 - and may not encroach into the required front yard. Attached carports must respect the setbacks of the principal dwelling. Lot coverage is capped at 50% in R-4/R-4A and 55% in R-5, so a carport addition may push a lot over its impervious coverage allowance. Construction of any new carport requires a building permit from the City of Atlanta Office of Buildings under the Georgia State Minimum Standard Residential Code (currently 2018 IRC with Georgia amendments; 2024 IRC effective for permits submitted on or after January 1, 2026). Carports in historic or SPI districts (e.g., West End, Inman Park) require additional design review under the applicable overlay chapter (e.g., 16-20G).