Lodi, CA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Lodi treats a carport as both an accessory structure subject to the Title 17 accessory-structure rules and as a covered parking facility subject to the parking standards in LMC Chapter 17.32. The October 2025 Phase 3 amendments to the Lodi Development Code modified 17.32.040 to remove the previous allowance for tandem parking within a carport; required covered parking spaces in single-family and multifamily projects must be independently accessible rather than stacked. As an accessory structure, a carport must comply with the residential rear-yard coverage limits applied to accessory structures generally — accessory structures cannot occupy more than 25 percent of a required rear yard or 35 percent of any non-required rear yard, and the cumulative accessory structure footprint cannot exceed the ground floor area of the main residence. Sheds and similar structures under 120 square feet, single-story, not for habitation, with a 6-foot separation from the dwelling and a maximum 8-foot height are permit-exempt under the city's residential construction-without-permits guidance, but a carport that supports a roof structure, ties to required parking, or exceeds those thresholds requires a building permit through the Community Development Building Division. Side and rear setbacks for accessory structures are governed by the underlying residential zone in LMC Title 17. Carports are not classified as patio covers, and converting a carport into living space requires zoning review (including replacement parking) and full building permits. State ADU law (California Government Code 65852.2) limits the city's ability to require replacement parking when a carport is demolished to build an ADU under specified conditions.