Garden Grove, CA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Garden Grove Municipal Code Section 9.08.040 (Single-Family Residential Development Standards) treats carports as detached accessory structures. The standard accessory-structure setbacks are 5 feet to interior side and rear lot lines, 10 feet to a street-side lot line, and 20 feet to the front lot line. Any garage or carport that opens directly to a street or alley must observe a setback of at least 20 feet, measured from the face of the door to the property line, so a vehicle in the driveway does not encroach on the public sidewalk. On a 5,000 or 6,000 square foot lot the front-facing garage door setback may be reduced to 18 feet only when the garage is fitted with a roll-up door. Where a garage or carport abuts an alley with perpendicular access, the structure must be at least 20 feet from the alley centerline and at least 5 feet from the property line. Detached accessory walls must be at least 6 feet from any main building or other accessory wall, and detached eaves must be at least 4 feet from any other eaves on the same lot. Carports count toward lot coverage and must use the same construction standards as the 2022 California Building Code and 2022 California Residential Code as adopted by the City. A building permit through Garden Grove Building Services is required before construction; site plans must show setbacks, height, and any utility easements. Confirm zone-specific height caps and lot coverage limits with Garden Grove Planning at (714) 741-5312 before designing.