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

In the unincorporated areas of Kings County, carports, patio covers, and similar open-sided roofed structures are regulated by the building-permit rules in the Kings County Code of Ordinances Chapter 5 (Buildings and Structures), which adopts the California Building Code, together with the zoning setbacks and lot-coverage limits of the county Development Code for the parcel's agricultural or residential district. The Community Development Agency's Building Division publishes a Standard Patio Cover handout and a Shade Cloth Structure Guide describing what it will permit and what is exempt. The Shade Cloth guide confirms how the county applies California Building Code Section 105.2: a structure open on all sides, used for nursery or agricultural crop protection, that is temporary, has no permanent foundation, uses light-frame tubing not over 2 inches in diameter, stays under 12 feet tall, and does not exceed 12,000 square feet can be built without a building permit; residential accessory shade use is capped at 120 square feet for that exemption. Solid-roof patio covers and attached carports generally do require a permit and must be designed for wind and structural loads. A building-permit exemption never waives zoning setbacks, so a carport must still sit outside required yards. Confirm district setbacks with the Kings County Community Development Agency.