Carports in Alameda County generally require a building permit and must meet residential setbacks. They may count toward lot coverage limits but are often allowed in setbacks with reduced requirements.
Carports in unincorporated Alameda County are regulated under the Zoning Ordinance (Title 17) and the California Residential Code. A building permit is generally required for any carport, regardless of size, because it is a structural roof. Carports must meet the setbacks of the underlying zone, though some zones allow reduced setbacks (for example 3 feet side/rear) for carports and other minor accessory structures. Maximum height is typically 12 to 15 feet. Carports count toward the lot coverage and floor-area allowances of the zone. When attached to a house, they must match fire-separation requirements; when detached, they must comply with accessory structure separation from the main dwelling and from property lines. In VHFHSZ, carport roofing should be Class A fire rated, and storage underneath should follow defensible space rules. Solar carports may qualify for streamlined permitting under CA SB 379 and related solar access laws.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Alameda County, CA
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See how Alameda County's carport rules rules stack up against other locations.
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