Yuba County, CA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Yuba County does not maintain a separate carport ordinance; carports are treated as accessory structures under Development Code Section 11.19.030, which lists 'garages' and similar structures among residential accessory structures customarily used in conjunction with the main use. Because a typical carport exceeds the 120-square-foot / 8-foot setback exemption threshold, it must satisfy the setback requirements established by its zoning district: 'Accessory structures shall meet the setback requirements established by the zoned district.' From the Division II residential development standards, detached-garage (carport) setbacks are roughly 10 feet in the Rural Estate (RE) district and 5 feet in the RS/RM/RH districts, and accessory-structure maximum height is generally 15 feet (RS/RM/RH) up to 20 feet (RE). Within the Valley Growth Boundary, accessory structures (other than decks, patios, and fences) are not permitted in the required front-yard setback, so a carport generally cannot occupy the front yard there. Carports count toward the parcel's maximum lot coverage and floor-area ratio. A building permit is typically required under the adopted Building Code. Carports serving an ADU are limited - any ADU garage is capped at 50 percent of the ADU floor area under 11.32.030.