Lansing regulates carports as accessory structures under Part 12 Title 6 (Zoning Code) of the Codified Ordinances. Permits are issued by the Department of Economic Development and Planning, with construction subject to the Michigan Residential Code adopted under Part 14 of the Codified Ordinances. Section 406 of the Michigan Building Code sets the open-side and clear-height standards for carports referenced by the local building official.
Carports in Lansing are reviewed both as a zoning matter (placement, setback, and rear-yard coverage) under Part 12 Title 6 of the Codified Ordinances and as a building matter (structural, electrical, and clearance) under Part 14, which adopts the Michigan Residential Code and Michigan Building Code by reference. The Zoning Administrator (Susan Stachowiak, Department of Economic Development and Planning, 517-483-4085) confirms that accessory-structure dimensional standards including setbacks, height, and the share of the rear yard that may be covered are set by the underlying zoning district in Chapter 1244 (Residential Districts) and the dimensional tables that follow it. A carport open on at least two sides falls under Section 406.3 of the Michigan Building Code, which requires the open sides to be open at least 50 percent of the area between the eaves and the floor and limits the structure to private vehicle parking only; clear height in vehicle and pedestrian traffic areas must be at least 7 feet. Building permits for any carport over the threshold set by the Michigan Residential Code are issued by Lansing's Building Safety Office under Part 14 of the Codified Ordinances. Lansing's local historic districts (e.g., Genesee, Cherry Hill, Westside) require Historic District Commission review under Chapter 1224 before installation. Detached carports in front yards are generally prohibited in residential districts under the principal-versus-accessory framework in Title 6 Zoning.
Building a carport without a Part 14 building permit, or placing one in a location that does not satisfy the Title 6 zoning district setback and rear-yard coverage standards, is a civil infraction enforceable by the Office of Code Compliance. The city can issue stop-work orders, require removal or after-the-fact permitting, and refer the matter to the 54-A District Court. Historic-district properties altered without Commission approval face a separate violation under Chapter 1224.
Lansing, MI
Lansing permits construction during standard daytime hours. Construction is generally allowed from 7 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday. Sunday construction ...
Lansing, MI
Lansing addresses barking dogs under Chapter 654 (Noise) and Chapter 610 (Animals). Owning or harboring any animal that frequently makes sounds creating a no...
Lansing, MI
Lansing prohibits unreasonably loud or disturbing noise under Chapter 662 of the Code of Ordinances. Quiet hours run from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM in residential ...
Lansing, MI
Lansing restricts the storage of recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers in residential areas. Street parking of these vehicles is limited and storage mus...
Lansing, MI
Lansing restricts parking of large commercial vehicles in residential areas. Heavy trucks and semi-trailers may not be stored in residential zones.
Lansing, MI
Lansing regulates on-street parking through Chapter 1042 and the Parking Services Division. No vehicle may park in one location on a public street for more t...
See how Lansing's carport rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.