Grand Rapids, MI Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Grand Rapids' Planning Department FAQ on Accessory Structure Placement explicitly identifies carports as accessory structures alongside garages, sheds, gazebos, and greenhouses, regulated under Chapter 61 (Zoning Ordinance), Section 5.2.08 and the detached-accessory diagram at 5.2.09.I. All accessory structures, including carports, must be located at least three (3) feet from rear and side lot lines and at least three (3) feet from any other accessory structure. Detached carports cannot be located in the front yard, must be placed at least six (6) feet from the principal house, and if located less than 60 feet from the front lot line must comply with the underlying district's side-yard setbacks. An attached carport is treated as part of the principal structure and must meet the principal-building setbacks; in Traditional Neighborhood (TN) and Mid-Century Neighborhood (MCN) districts an attached garage or carport must sit at least five (5) feet behind the front face of the house. Maximum size and height are governed by lot size and neighborhood type. In TN/MCN single- and two-family uses, lots under 5,000 sq ft are limited to 624 sq ft and 14 ft of height, scaling up to 1,200 sq ft and 16 ft for lots over 22,000 sq ft. In Modern Era Neighborhood (MON) districts the limits run from 832 sq ft / 14 ft to 1,500 sq ft / 16 ft. Height is measured from finished grade to the midpoint of the roof between ridge and eave. Permit thresholds are size-based: a Zoning Permit is required for accessory structures under 200 sq ft, and a full Residential Building Permit is required for structures 200 sq ft or larger. An Administrative Departure may reduce the rear/side setback to one (1) foot where conditions are met and the building code is satisfied. Construction must comply with the Michigan Residential Code, including snow-load requirements applicable to carport roofs in West Michigan. Properties in a designated historic district require Historic Preservation review.