Ontario allows carports on residential lots subject to zoning setbacks and a building permit for any carport 200 sq ft or larger. Properly sized carports count toward required covered parking.
Carports are treated as accessory structures under Ontario Municipal Code Title 9 zoning. Detached carports must generally meet the same setbacks as detached garages (typically three to five feet rear and side, with larger front setbacks). Carports attached to the dwelling are treated as part of the primary structure. California Building Code requires a permit for any carport 200 square feet or larger and any carport regardless of size if built on permanent posts and a slab with a roof. Design wind loads for the Ontario area typically apply Risk Category II with Exposure C at about 95 to 110 mph ultimate wind speed depending on parcel exposure. Carports used to satisfy the zoning parking requirement for a single-family home must be at least a single-car width (9 feet by 18 feet clear) and must have the approved vehicle clearances. HOA design guidelines commonly restrict metal, fabric, or quick-assembly carports in the front yard.
Installing a permit-required carport without a permit can lead to Code Enforcement citations, stop work orders, and a requirement to obtain retroactive permits or remove the structure. Non-compliant fabric carports are frequently cited in the front yard by HOAs.
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Ontario, CA
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Ontario, CA
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Ontario, CA
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Ontario, CA
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Ontario, CA
Every wall, fence, and gate in Ontario is subject to Planning Director design review regardless of whether a building permit is needed. A building permit is ...
Ontario, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Bernardino County.
See how other cities in San Bernardino County handle carport rules.
See how Ontario's carport rules rules stack up against other locations.
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