Carports in unincorporated Sacramento County are treated as accessory structures requiring a building permit. Setbacks, height, and coverage limits apply, and carports in front yards are generally restricted to driveway areas.
Sacramento County Zoning Code Title 22 regulates carports as accessory structures. Residential carports must meet side and rear setbacks of 5 ft in most zones, front setback matching the underlying zoning district (often 20 ft), and maximum height of 15 ft. Carports over a driveway within the front setback may be permitted subject to design standards: open on at least two sides, integrated architecturally, and no enclosed walls. Freestanding carports require a building permit and must comply with wind and snow load requirements (California Residential Code Appendix H). Fabric or portable canopies over 120 sq ft are treated as temporary structures and are generally not allowed as permanent coverage.
Unpermitted carports face code enforcement citations and removal orders. Permit investigation fees double the normal permit cost.
Sacramento County, CA
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See how Sacramento County's carport rules rules stack up against other locations.
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