Stanislaus County, CA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

The Stanislaus County Zoning Ordinance (Title 21) regulates carports as accessory structures. Section 21.12.145 defines a 'carport' as 'an accessible and usable covered space of not less than nine feet by nineteen feet that is open on at least two sides and can be used for the parking of automobiles off the street,' and specifies that 'the edge of the roof line shall be considered the vehicle opening for the purposes of determining setback.' A carport is a detached or attached accessory structure whose use must be incidental to, and reasonably related to, the main building or the primary use of the property, as the districts allow detached accessory buildings on that basis (for example, Section 21.20.020(I) in the A-2 General Agriculture district). Like other accessory structures, a carport must comply with the setback and lot-coverage requirements of the parcel's zoning district, and the county's Planning guidance puts residential setbacks at roughly five feet from side and rear lines and fifteen feet from the ultimate front line, with the roof-line edge controlling the measurement. Building permits are generally required for carports because they are not within the limited shed exemption (one-story storage shed up to 120 sq ft). Carports also matter for ADUs: under Section 21.74.040(C)(1)(a) a legally constructed carport can be converted to satisfy or replace required ADU parking. Owners should confirm exact setbacks and permit requirements with the Planning Department at (209) 525-6330.