Lexington, KY Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Lexington treats carports as accessory structures under the LFUCG Zoning Ordinance, with rules varying by zoning district (R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-1D, R-1E, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5). Detached carports in residential zones generally must be set back at least 3 feet from side and rear lot lines and cannot be located in the required front yard. Attached carports must meet the full principal building setback for the zone (often 25 feet front, 8 feet side). Maximum height for accessory carports is typically 15 feet, and total accessory structure coverage cannot exceed 30 percent of the rear yard area. All carports supported by posts on a permanent foundation require a building permit from the LFUCG Division of Building Inspection, plus a zoning compliance permit. Metal or fabric carports anchored to the ground are still considered structures and require permits. In historic overlay districts (H-1), carport design, materials, and placement require Board of Architectural Review approval. Subdivisions with HOAs in Hamburg, Masterson Station, Beaumont, and Andover Forest often prohibit metal carports entirely or require them to match the primary dwelling materials. Carports cannot be enclosed on more than two sides without being reclassified as a garage, which triggers additional setback and permit requirements.