Chico Municipal Code §19.76.020 defines a carport as an attached or detached accessory building not enclosed on more than two sides, designed to shelter motor vehicles. Carports may not be located in front yard setbacks and must be set back at least 10 ft from any property line adjoining a public street. A garage entrance face approximately parallel to the lot line must be set back at least 20 ft from the property line providing driveway access to preserve off-street parking depth. Building permits are required.
Carports must comply with the development standards of the underlying zoning district per CMC §19.76.020, including setbacks (Table 5-9), height (15 ft max), and site coverage limits. The 20-ft driveway setback for garage doors prevents vehicles from blocking sidewalks or rights-of-way. Carports must be architecturally compatible with the primary residence and located to the rear or sides. In Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (eastern Chico foothills near the Camp Fire burn scar), CMC Title 16 and California Building Code Chapter 7A WUI standards require ignition-resistant materials for any accessory structure within 50 ft of a residence.
Carports built without permits or within required setbacks cited under CMC §19.76.020. Code enforcement may require relocation, removal, or retrofitting with WUI-compliant materials in fire zones. Driveway carports projecting toward the street within 20 ft of the property line violate the parking-depth standard.
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