Montgomery, AL Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Under the City of Montgomery Zoning Ordinance (originally adopted August 12, 1985, as amended), accessory structures - including detached carports - are subject to general accessory-use standards. No accessory structure may be erected in any required front yard or side yard. Accessory structures may not exceed two (2) stories in height, may not cover more than thirty percent (30%) of any required rear yard, must maintain a setback of at least five (5) feet from all lot lines, and must be at least ten (10) feet from any other structure on the premises. Attached carports (those structurally connected to the principal dwelling) are part of the principal structure and must meet the principal-building setbacks of the underlying zoning district rather than the accessory-structure five-foot rule. Carports count toward lot coverage in districts that limit the percentage of a lot that can be covered by buildings and structures. A building permit through the Department of Community Development (Building Inspections) is required before construction, and the carport must comply with the wind-load and structural provisions of the adopted International Residential Code. In SmartCode districts (the city's form-based zoning overlay), carports and other accessory buildings are governed by the SmartCode building disposition standards rather than the standard accessory-structure section. Properties in historic districts (Old Cloverdale, Garden District, Cottage Hill, Old Alabama Town, etc.) require Architectural Review Board approval for carports visible from the street, in addition to a building permit.