Cranston, RI Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Carports in Cranston are treated as buildings accessory to a dwelling and are governed by Section 17.60.010 of the Cranston Zoning Ordinance (Title 17, Chapter 17.60 - Accessory Uses). The rule states that a building accessory to a dwelling, including an attached or detached garage or carport, shall not be located in any required front or corner side yard. In the larger-lot residential districts A-80, A-20, and A-12, the structure must be at least 10 feet from any rear lot line; in the remaining districts, the minimum rear-lot setback is 5 feet. Side-yard placement and overall height are governed by the underlying district's bulk requirements set out in the schedule of intensity regulations under Section 17.20.120. Sheds and other detached accessory structures larger than 120 square feet are also subject to the setback rules in Section 17.60.010, while smaller sheds may receive lighter treatment. Building permits for carports are issued by the Building and Public Works Department - Building Inspection division through the city's Permits and Zoning office, and zoning verification is handled by the Zoning Administration. Carports must comply with the Rhode Island State Building Code (SBC-1) and any wind-load requirements; structures attached to a principal dwelling must meet the principal-building setback for the front and street-side yards rather than the accessory-building setback.