Caldwell, ID Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Caldwell does not have a separate carport ordinance; a carport is treated as an accessory building, structure, or use under City Code 10-02-04. For a detached carport, the same size-based setbacks apply as for any accessory building: a structure under 200 square feet has no setback requirement, a structure 200 square feet or greater but under 600 square feet must sit at least 5 feet from an interior side or rear lot line, and a structure over 600 square feet must be kept in the rear yard outside the required rear and side setbacks established in section 10-02-03. Height for a detached accessory structure may not exceed 22 feet in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 districts or 33 feet in the RS-1 and RS-2 districts. A carport attached to the home is generally reviewed against the principal building's setbacks for the zoning district rather than the accessory-structure setbacks. Carports in front yards must not encroach into the front-yard setback or block the vision triangle at corners, and a building permit is typically required. Because carports are open structures, owners should confirm with the Building Safety Division whether their specific design needs a permit and how close to the front property line a post-supported cover may be placed.