Kennesaw, GA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Under Appendix A (Unified Development Code) of the Kennesaw Code of Ordinances, a carport is defined as a structure that is open-sided or devoid of walls, supported by poles or decorative posts, and may or may not be attached to an existing structure. It is permitted only for the temporary parking of up to two operable motor vehicles, trailers, or recreational vehicles - any other use, including general storage, is prohibited. All carports, whether attached or detached, must conform to the density and dimensional requirements in Table 6E (Article 6, Density and Dimensional Requirements) of the UDC, which sets the minimum side-yard, rear-yard, and height limits for the underlying residential district (commonly R-20, R-30, R-40, RD-4, etc.). Detached accessory structures must be located a minimum of 10 feet from the principal dwelling, and the minimum distance between any primary structure and an accessory structure (or between two accessory structures) is 6 feet measured wall-to-wall. On key lots and double-frontage lots, accessory structures not exceeding 8 feet in total height may be placed within 3 feet of the side or rear street property line. A building permit is required for all detached accessory structures including carports, sheds, and pool houses; applications and inspections are routed through the city's iWorQ permitting portal and reviewed by Kennesaw Building Services under the Georgia State Minimum Standard Building Code (currently 2018 IRC with Georgia amendments; 2024 IRC effective for permits filed on or after January 1, 2026). Properties in Cobb County's unincorporated areas (not within the city limits of Kennesaw) follow Cobb County's own zoning code, not Kennesaw's UDC.