New Haven, CT Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Carports in New Haven are regulated as accessory buildings under the New Haven Zoning Ordinance. Section 24 provides that no accessory building shall have an average height of more than twelve feet for any portion located within a required yard, and that all accessory buildings are subject to Section 25 with regard to location within required yards and to the underlying district regulations with regard to building coverage. Section 25 requires that no part of an accessory building extend within five feet of any side lot line if located within a required side yard, and that in no case shall any accessory building be closer than two feet to any lot line unless it is built directly on that lot line. Section 25(d) provides a narrow exception allowing a one-story garage for storage of passenger cars, located on its own lot in an RM, RH, or RO District, to sit within required yards subject to the standards of that subsection. Detached carports placed elsewhere must therefore generally occupy the rear yard and meet the side-yard setback. Building, electrical, and structural permits are administered by the New Haven Building Department under Chapter 9 of the Code of Ordinances and the Connecticut State Building Code, which is based on the IRC and IBC. Properties in a designated New Haven historic district require additional review by the Historic District Commission before a carport may be installed.