Providence County, RI Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Rhode Island's enabling act for municipal zoning (RIGL §45-24, Rhode Island Zoning Enabling Act of 1991) gives cities authority to regulate accessory structures including carports. Providence Zoning Ordinance Article 4 (Accessory Uses and Structures), Cranston Zoning Ordinance, and similar codes treat carports as accessory structures subject to setback, height, and lot coverage rules. Typical side-yard setbacks in Providence County residential districts are 5 feet (R-1/R-2 zones), with greater setbacks in R-1A estate districts. Maximum lot coverage is typically 30-40% including accessory structures. Carport height is generally limited to 15 feet in residential zones. Building permits are required under the RI State Building Code (RIGL §23-27.3) for carports regardless of pre-fabricated kit status. Carports attached to a dwelling may have different setback rules than freestanding. Providence's dense triple-decker neighborhoods often lack space for carports, making variances common. Historic District Commission approval under RIGL §45-24.1 is required in College Hill, Armory, Broadway, and other designated districts — synthetic carport materials are often disfavored. Coastal properties need CRMC review under RIGL §46-23. Snow load design must meet RI State Building Code requirements (typically 30 psf ground snow load).