Columbia, SC Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Under Sec. 17-4.3 of Columbia's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), carports are accessory structures that must comply with the standards of the underlying base zoning district. The UDO expressly classifies a carport as not a fully enclosed structure (in contrast to a garage), which affects how it is treated for setbacks, lot coverage, and pool-fence equivalency. Detached accessory structures typically may not be located in a required front yard and must be set back at least three feet from any side or rear property line, with the principal-building setbacks otherwise applying. A City of Columbia building permit is generally not required for a detached, uninhabited accessory structure of 200 square feet or less; larger or attached carports require a building permit from Planning & Development Services and must follow the SC Building Code. Attached carports follow the principal dwelling's setbacks. Properties in historic districts or design-review overlays may need additional approval before construction.