Quincy, MA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Quincy treats carports - whether open-sided or enclosed, attached or detached - as accessory structures under Chapter 196 of the Quincy Code (Zoning). An attached carport is part of the principal structure and must meet the principal structure's front, side, and rear setbacks for the underlying residence district (Residence A, Residence B, Residence C, Residential Multifamily, etc.). A detached carport is an accessory building and must satisfy the side and rear setback requirements for accessory structures in that zone, must sit on the same lot as the principal dwelling, and may not occupy the front yard. Building permits, electrical permits, and structural permits for carports are administered by the Quincy Department of Inspectional Services at 55 Sea Street under 780 CMR (the Massachusetts State Building Code, currently the Tenth Edition based on the 2021 IBC/IRC). Per 780 CMR §R105.2, one-story detached accessory structures of 200 square feet or less and not used for habitation generally do not require a building permit, but a carport sized for a vehicle typically exceeds that threshold, and any carport attached to the dwelling is part of the principal structure and requires a permit. The Inspectional Services Department holds walk-in zoning clinics every Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at 55 Sea Street to verify setbacks and lot coverage before applying. Variance requests for carports that cannot meet the dimensional standards of Chapter 196 are heard by the Quincy Zoning Board of Appeals. Properties in the Quincy Center Historic District, the Adams National Historical Park area, or any local historic district may require additional Quincy Historical Commission review under MGL c.40C.