Madera, CA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

The Madera County Zoning Code does not single out carports for special treatment; a carport is an accessory structure subject to the same Structure Regulations (Chapter 18.98) and residential development standards (Chapter 18.11) as other accessory buildings. Under Section 18.98.020, a carport may not encroach into the required setback of its zoning district, except through the limited averaging rules or a variance approved by the zoning administrator under Chapter 18.106. On lots one hundred feet wide or less the side or rear offset for an accessory building may be reduced to five feet, but never within ten feet of a structure used for residential purposes. The Section 18.11.120 development table limits accessory building height in residential zones to fifteen feet. Because a carport is an attached or freestanding roofed structure, it generally requires a building permit under the county building code (Title 14) for structural and, in foothill areas, wildfire-resistance compliance. Parcels of one acre or more in State Responsibility Area fire zones must also satisfy the accessory-structure setbacks of Public Resources Code 4290, Section 1276.01. Carports built to provide required off-street parking must also satisfy the dimensional and surfacing rules in the Parking Regulations of Chapter 18.102. Always confirm the applicable district setbacks with the Planning Division before construction.