Key Facts Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources

Knoxville, TN Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Verified 2 weeks ago|Source: Knoxville Zoning Code Article 10 - Site Development Standards →

Recently verified

Key Facts

Zoning Section: Art. 10.3.G
Allowed Yards: Interior side, corner side, rear
Max Length: 22 feet
Open Sides Required: At least 2
Max Height (detached): 18 feet
Min Lot-Line Setback

Summary

Knoxville Zoning Code Article 10.3.G allows carports only over a driveway in the interior side, corner side, or rear yard. They are capped at 22 feet long, must be open on at least two sides, and must use permanent materials. A building permit is required.

Full Breakdown

Knoxville Zoning Code Article 10.3.G governs attached and detached carports. G.1 requires the carport be over a driveway; G.2 prohibits front-yard placement (side or rear yard only); G.3 caps total length at 22 feet; G.4 requires at least two open sides except support posts; G.5 requires permanent materials (no fabric or tent carports); G.6 prohibits RV storage. A detached carport must also meet Article 10.3.A: max 18 feet tall, 5-foot setback from any lot line, and a per-lot footprint cap (750 sq ft on lots up to 15,000 sq ft, 900 sq ft up to one acre, 1,100 sq ft on one-acre-plus lots). A building permit from Plans Review and Inspections is required under the adopted IRC.

Violations & Fines

Building a carport in a front yard, longer than 22 feet, enclosed on three or more sides, or without a permit violates Article 10.3.G. Plans Review and Inspections can issue stop-work orders and pursue civil penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a carport in my front yard in Knoxville?

No. Article 10.3.G.2 of the Knoxville Zoning Code allows carports only in the interior side yard, corner side yard, or rear yard, and Subsection G.1 requires the carport be located over a driveway. A front-yard carport is not permitted, and a portable fabric carport is also disallowed because Subsection G.5 requires permanent materials.

Do I need a permit for a carport in Knoxville?

Yes. The City of Knoxville has adopted the International Residential Code, so a building permit from Plans Review and Inspections is required for a permanent carport. Detached carports must also meet the general accessory-structure standards in Article 10.3.A: max 18 feet tall, at least 5 feet from any lot line, and within the per-lot footprint cap (e.g., 750 sq ft on lots up to 15,000 sq ft).

How does Knoxville compare?

See how Knoxville's carport rules rules stack up against other locations.

Compare to Another Location View Tennessee Overview

Knoxville, TN Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

Related Knoxville Ordinances

Holiday Decorations: Lawn Ornament Rules

Holiday Decorations: Inflatable Display Rules

Holiday Decorations: Holiday Light Rules

Outdoor Cooking: Outdoor Kitchen Permits

Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules

Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules

More Accessory Structures in Knoxville

Carport Rules in Other Cities

How does Knoxville compare?

See something wrong?