Denver, CO Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Under the Denver Zoning Code, a carport is an accessory building - a detached or attached structure that may or may not have electricity, plumbing, or mechanical equipment installed - and is regulated alongside detached garages and sheds. Most accessory structures must be located within the rear 35% of the eligible zone lot, and the Zoning Administrator may further limit a proposed accessory based on customariness, the size of the structure, the total number of accessory structures on the lot, and effects on adjacent property. Footprint, height, setbacks, and lot coverage vary by zone district: typical detached accessory footprints are capped at 650 sq ft for lots under 6,000 sq ft, 864 sq ft for 6,000-7,000 sq ft lots, and 1,000 sq ft for lots over 7,000 sq ft, with maximum 1.5 stories of height in many residential zones. A 15 ft separation from the primary house is generally needed to qualify for the 50% lot-coverage exemption that lets the structure's footprint count at half-value. Under the Denver Building Code, carports require a building permit when they exceed permit-exempt thresholds and must comply with structural, snow-load, and fire-separation provisions of the adopted IRC/IBC. Trade permits for any electrical, gas, or drainage work are required separately.