Denver requires a building permit for all carports over 120 sq ft per Denver Building Code 105.2. Zoning setbacks apply (typically 5 ft side/rear, varies by district). Count toward lot coverage.
Denver Community Planning & Development requires a building permit for carports and attached or detached covered parking structures exceeding 120 square feet (2018 IRC §105.2.2 as adopted by Denver). Carports are classified as accessory structures in the Denver Zoning Code. Setback requirements vary by zone district: in most single-unit districts (E-SU, U-SU), minimum 5 feet from side/rear property lines and 20-25 feet from front (matching primary house setback). Maximum height typically 24 feet. Lot coverage includes the carport footprint — combined primary building and accessory structures cannot exceed district maximum (commonly 37.5% to 50%). Structure must meet Denver wind loads (ultimate 120 mph, 3-second gust) and snow loads (30 psf ground snow load). Prefab carport kits still require permits and engineered calcs. ADU or garage conversions into carports have additional review.
Unpermitted carport: stop-work, $150 to $999 fine, retroactive permit or removal required. Setback violation: demolition or variance application. Lot coverage over max: must reduce.
Denver County, CO
Denver DRMC Chapter 36 sets quiet hours 11 PM–7 AM in residential zones. Residential limit is 55 dBA daytime, 50 dBA nighttime. Violations can reach $5,000/day.
Denver County, CO
Denver has no outright ban on leaf blowers but phases in restrictions on gas-powered commercial landscape equipment. DRMC Chapter 36 noise limits apply, and ...
Denver County, CO
Denver requires driveways to meet setback and width standards. Blocking the public sidewalk is prohibited. Curb cuts require a permit from DOTI.
Denver County, CO
Denver limits large commercial vehicle parking on residential streets to 2 hours. A 2023 ordinance expanded restrictions citywide. Trucks used for active wor...
Denver County, CO
Denver requires a zoning permit for fences between 4–6 feet. Over-height (6+ ft) fences require an additional over-height fence permit. Historic properties r...
Denver County, CO
Colorado's Good Neighbor Fence Act (C.R.S. §35-46-112) applies. Denver does not mandate cost-sharing, but neighbors may negotiate. Disputes over boundary fen...
See how Denver County's carport rules rules stack up against other locations.
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