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

Tehama County does not have a separate carport ordinance; carports are regulated through the accessory-structure provisions of Title 17. Section 17.04.230 defines a 'private garage' to include covered parking space or carport, so a carport is treated as an accessory parking structure for the occupants' vehicles. Section 17.08.030(C) expressly provides that garages, carports, and other accessory buildings may be attached to and share a common wall with the main building, or, when located as required by the title, may be connected by a breezeway. A detached carport follows the accessory-building placement rules of Section 17.08.020(A): a one-story accessory building without living quarters may occupy up to fifty percent of a required rear yard, may sit on the side and rear lines if it does not exceed fifteen feet at the ridge and is at least seventy feet from any street, and otherwise must keep a five-foot clearance from side and rear lines, and at least eight feet from the main building. The underlying zone's front-yard setback (commonly fifty feet from the road centerline or twenty feet from the property line, whichever is greater, in most districts) still applies. A building permit is generally required. Posts, drainage, and fire-access requirements may apply in rural areas, so confirm with the Building and Safety Department.