Fishers, IN Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Fishers UDO Sec. 6.2.2 specifically lists carports among the detached residential accessory buildings and structures (alongside garages, gazebos, canopies, and pool houses), so carports are subject to the full set of accessory-structure standards. Placement: the front setback must meet the required front setback for the zoning district, and the side or rear setback must meet the primary-structure setback or 10 feet, whichever is less; any accessory structure over 600 sq ft must also be set back at least its own height where that distance exceeds the minimum side/rear setback. Carports may not encroach into easements or required buffer yards and must satisfy Article 6.20 Vision Clearance Standards. The combined gross floor area of all accessory structures (carports included) is capped by lot size at 1,000 sq ft (under 1 acre) up to 4,000 sq ft (4-plus acres), and the structure may not exceed the zone's maximum lot coverage. Height is limited to 18 feet in the R1-R5 and MP districts (24 feet in ER). In multi-family and nonresidential districts, Sec. 6.2.4 adds that carports and garages may not be placed between the primary structure and any street (they may be across the street from the primary structure). A building permit is generally required for a carport.