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

Ventura County's Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance does not single out carports with a unique standard; a carport is treated as an accessory structure and, where it provides required off-street parking, as part of the parking scheme. A detached, non-habitable carport must comply with Sec. 8106-5.1: located no closer than 3 feet from interior and rear lot lines and, with other accessory structures, occupying no more than 40 percent of the rear setback area. Sec. 8106-5.3 governs parking in setbacks: fully operative, licensed, registered vehicles may be parked in a front or street-side setback only within a driveway leading to a garage, carport or other required parking space for single- or two-family dwellings, and on one side of an interior lot a minimum 3-foot strip must be kept free of vehicles and open storage. For ADUs, Sec. 8107-1.7.5(c) confirms that when a covered parking structure such as a carport is demolished or converted in conjunction with an ADU, the off-street spaces need not be replaced for the primary dwelling. Conforming carports are permitted through a ministerial Zoning Clearance with site plans, floor plans and elevations, and a building permit is required for the structure itself.