Idaho Falls, ID Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Idaho Falls treats carports and patio covers as structures that must be permitted and engineered for local conditions. The city's building FAQ states that permits are mandatory for patio covers and carports because of eastern Idaho's snow and wind load requirements; structures lacking proper design often collapse during heavy snowstorms or high winds. A building permit lets the city verify the cover can carry required loads and confirm its location. Beyond structural review, a carport is an accessory structure under Title 11, so it must comply with the zoning ordinance, which requires front, rear, and side yards to be kept open and unobstructed. In residential zones, accessory-building yard rules apply: a three-foot (3') rear yard where a rear yard applies or where an alley runs behind the lot, side yards matching the main building unless the structure is more than twelve feet (12') behind it, and a combined accessory-building coverage limit of thirty percent (30%) of the rear yard. Because a carport is typically attached to or near the principal dwelling and tied to vehicle storage, owners should confirm setback and parking implications before building, especially if the carport affects required off-street parking. Contact the Building Division and Community Development Services to confirm permit and placement requirements for your lot.