Doylestown, PA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Carports in Doylestown Borough are not exempt from permitting. The Borough's residential building-construction guidance lists carports alongside garages, sheds, decks over 30 inches, and pools as structures requiring a building permit before erection, alteration, or replacement. The Borough Code of Ordinances Chapter 27 (Zoning) treats a detached carport as an accessory building subject to the same dimensional rules as a detached private garage in residential districts: an accessory building may be located in the required rear yard provided it is set back from each side property line by at least the side-yard distance required for principal buildings in that zoning district, sits at least 15 feet farther back from the street line than the rearmost portion of the principal building, and does not exceed 15 feet in height. A carport attached to the dwelling is regulated as part of the principal building and must meet the full front, side, and rear setbacks of the district. Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code (Act 45) exempts detached residential accessory structures under 1,000 sq ft from state permit requirements, but Doylestown Borough has not opted out of permitting and still requires a Borough building permit. Carports in the HARB historic district require Historical Architectural Review Board review for design and materials before a permit issues. Two complete sets of plans (site, architectural, structural) are required with a residential application; the Borough determines fees at intake.