Auburn, AL Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

The Auburn Zoning Ordinance defines a 'Carport' as 'an unenclosed paved and covered space for the private use of the owner or the occupant of a principal building and situated on the same lot as the principal building, intended for the storage of motor vehicles, with no facilities for mechanical service or repair of a commercial or public nature.' A carport's covered area is part of the lot's 'building area' along with the principal building, porches and other accessory structures. As an accessory structure, a detached carport is governed by Section 511: a zoning certificate is required (511.02), it must sit at least 10 feet behind the front building line (511.03.G), at least 5 feet from a property line where no bufferyard is required (511.03.H), and at least 10 feet from the principal structure unless attached by fully enclosed living area (511.03.E). Importantly, the 50 percent accessory-floor-area cap in Section 511.03.J expressly includes 'open carports,' so a carport counts against the total square footage of accessory structures allowed on a residential lot. Carports must also satisfy applicable area, bulk, and yard regulations and may not exceed the site's impervious surface ratio. Because a carport adds covered, impervious area, owners should verify setback and ISR compliance with Development Services before building.