San Bernardino County, CA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Carports and detached garages are residential accessory structures governed by Development Code Chapter 84.01. Section 84.01.050(c) provides that detached carports or garages are limited to 1,200 square feet when located on parcels that are less than 20,000 square feet in size. Larger parcels are not subject to this particular square-footage cap, though they remain bound by the site-coverage and setback rules of the underlying land use zoning district. Under Section 84.01.020(a), accessory structures are subject to the same regulations as the primary structure, including the setback projection rules in Section 83.02.080 (Allowed Projections into Setbacks). Section 84.01.020(e) caps the combined footprint of accessory and primary structures at the maximum site coverage allowed by the applicable zoning district. Except in the Mountain Region, accessory structures generally may not extend in front of a street-facing primary structure (Section 84.01.050(d)). In the RS and RM districts, the carport's appearance must be compatible with the primary structure and neighborhood (Section 84.01.050(k)). A carport visible from the street should be designed to blend with the home. Building permits and setback compliance are required whether or not the structure itself triggers a permit. Verify the exact side, rear, and front setbacks for your specific zoning district with Land Use Services before construction.