Alpine County, CA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Carports are treated as accessory structures under Alpine County's zoning code, which applies countywide because there are no incorporated cities. Section 18.68.140.C provides that garages, carports, and other accessory buildings may be attached to and have a common wall with the main building, or may be connected to it by a breezeway. When detached and without living quarters, an accessory building may occupy no more than 50% of a required rear yard and must be at least 5 feet from the main building (Section 18.68.140.D). Accessory buildings on the East or West Slope may not exceed 25 feet in height (Section 18.68.050.A.2). Architectural features such as cornices, eaves, and canopies may extend into a required yard but not more than 2 feet (Section 18.68.140.E). A building permit from the Building Safety Division is required for new structures with a floor area greater than 120 square feet, and the underlying district setbacks in Title 18 must be maintained whether or not a permit is required. The county does not publish a separate standalone carport ordinance with distinct dimensions; carports follow the general accessory-structure standards of Chapter 18.68 and the applicable zoning district.