Lakewood, CO Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

The Lakewood Zoning Ordinance, Article 5, Section 17.5.5 governs detached accessory structures including detached carports, sheds, and garages. Detached carports are allowed in conjunction with an approved access and driveway, must be located behind the front edge of the primary residential structure, and must comply with zone-specific dimensional standards in Section 17.5.5.1. Soft-cover vehicle covers built from pipes or poles with fabric or plastic tops must still meet the underlying zone district's lot-coverage and setback standards even if no building permit is required. Rigid-material carports of metal, wood, or hard plastic become permit-required once they exceed 120 square feet. A common simplification in Lakewood: detached residential accessory structures under 120 sq ft and 10 ft tall, located in the rear half of the lot, qualify for a reduced 3-foot setback. The total area of accessory structures must remain below ten percent of the total lot area and accessory structures collectively cannot occupy more than fifty percent of the side and rear yards. Zone-specific R-1 standards add tighter front and side setbacks and a 12-foot accessory wall-height threshold above which primary-structure setbacks apply. Carports built into the side or rear of the primary home or that share a wall are treated as additions and follow primary-structure rules. Local building permits also trigger compliance with the IRC/IBC snow-load and structural standards adopted by Lakewood, and any electrical or drainage work needs separate trade permits.