Milpitas, CA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Milpitas addresses carports primarily through its Off-Street Parking Regulations in Municipal Code Section XI-10-53, where covered parking such as carports is among the allowed parking types, and through its accessory-structure rules in Section XI-10-54.08, because a carport with a roof is a structure. Under the parking Design Standards (XI-10-53.13), residential projects must provide a minimum unobstructed vehicular maneuvering distance of 25 feet measured from the opening of the garage or carport, except as otherwise permitted in that section, so a carport cannot be placed where it would leave inadequate backing space onto a drive aisle or street. As a roofed accessory structure, a carport is also subject to the placement limits in Section XI-10-54.08, including the requirement (for detached accessory buildings in residential districts) to observe the prescribed distances from lot lines and the 30% rear-yard coverage cap, and the rule that eaves may not come closer than three feet to a side or rear lot line. Because development standards (front, side, and rear setbacks and height) vary by zoning district, the City advises owners to identify their zoning district on the Zoning Map and review that district's development-standards brochure before building. A building permit is required for a carport structure.