Augusta, GA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Augusta's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance defines an accessory building as a subordinate building, not more than one story and no more than 18 feet in height, located on the same lot as and incidental to the main building or use. A carport, whether freestanding or attached only by a roof, falls under this accessory building category and is regulated through the Article on accessory uses and structures. Detached accessory structures, including carports, must remain at least 10 feet from the principal dwelling, may not be placed in any required front yard, and must meet the minimum side and rear yard setbacks of the underlying residential district - typically 5 feet to the side and 10 feet to the rear in R-1, R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-1D, R-1E, R-2 and R-MH zones, with larger setbacks in lower-density zones such as A (Agriculture). An attached carport is treated as part of the principal structure and must satisfy the principal-building setbacks of the district. The aggregate ground area of all accessory buildings on a residential lot may not exceed 30 percent of the required rear yard. Augusta Planning and Development administers zoning approval, while Augusta License and Inspections issues the building permit; under the Georgia State Minimum Standard Building Code (IBC/IRC), a carport open on at least two sides is treated as a Group U accessory structure but still requires permits when it exceeds 200 square feet, has a roof load over 12 pounds per square foot, or includes electrical work. Carports in the Olde Town, Pinch Gut, Summerville, Greene Street and Broad Street historic districts also require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Augusta Historic Preservation Commission before construction.