Marietta, GA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Marietta's Zoning Ordinance Division 708 (District Standards and Permitted Uses) regulates carports under the Accessory Structures and Use Limitations subsections that apply across residential districts (e.g., Section 708.03 for R-3). Under subsection F (Accessory Structures), all detached accessory structures - including carports - must be located on the same lot and to the side or rear of the principal use, at least 10 feet from any side or rear lot line. On corner lots, an accessory carport may not be closer to a right-of-way than the principal building. When a carport is attached to the principal building 'in any manner,' it is deemed part of the principal structure and must satisfy the principal-building bulk and area requirements (front, side, rear setbacks, lot coverage). A detached carport may not be built before the principal dwelling, may not exceed the height of the principal structure, and its footprint may not exceed 50% of the principal structure's footprint. Detached carports over 15 feet but under 35 feet in height must be set back at least 10 feet from the side property line and at least 30 feet from the rear property line, or a distance equal to the structure's height (whichever is less). Subsection G (Use Limitations) prohibits using unenclosed carports or front porches to store anything other than firewood or recyclable materials in a city-approved container. Subsection F.9 also bars long-term use of canvas, tarpaulin, sail, or tent-style 'carport' covers as accessory structures - those nondurable covers may not stay up longer than 14 consecutive days or 42 days per year. New carport construction generally requires a building permit from the Marietta Department of Development Services through SagesGov; a zoning verification or grading permit may also apply if site work is involved.