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

Glenn County Code Title 15 defines a 'carport' as 'a permanent roofed structure not less than ten feet by twenty feet open on two or more sides for the storage of automobiles.' Carports are expressly listed among the accessory buildings permitted in the county's residential and rural-residential zones - for example Section 15.370.030 (R-1), Section 15.350.010 (RE) and Section 15.380.030 (R-M) list 'garages, carports, lath houses, greenhouses, gardening sheds, recreation rooms and similar structures' as permitted accessory uses customarily incidental to the principal use. As an accessory building, a carport must meet the accessory-building setback rules of its zoning district: in the RE zone, an accessory building under 1,000 square feet needs a minimum 5-foot side and rear yard (Section 15.350.060(D)); in the R-1 zone, an accessory building must meet the main building's side yard and sit at least 5 feet from the rear property line (Section 15.370.070). A special rule applies on corner lots: Sections 15.370.070(B) and 15.380.070(B) require that a garage or carport with an entrance fronting the street be set back at least 20 feet from the street property line. Accessory-structure height is capped at 15 feet in the R-1 and R-M zones (Sections 15.370.080 and 15.380.080). A building permit from the county Building Division is required for a permanent carport.