Richmond, VA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Richmond City Code Chapter 30 (Zoning) treats carports as accessory structures subject to the rear-yard placement rules that apply to detached sheds and garages. A carport of any size requires a building permit under Virginia USBC (13VAC5-63) because it has a roof and is attached to footings or the principal structure. Typical setback requirements in R-2 through R-5 districts: 3 feet from side and rear lot lines, minimum 10 feet from the principal dwelling if detached, and no placement forward of the front building line. Attached carports follow the principal structure setbacks (typically 20 ft front, 8-10 ft side). Carport area counts toward the district's maximum lot coverage (often 30-40 percent in single-family districts). In historic overlay districts (Monument Avenue, Jackson Ward, The Fan, Church Hill), any new carport requires a Commission of Architectural Review certificate of appropriateness regardless of size, and CAR generally disfavors visible carports on contributing properties. Alley-load carports are common in Richmond's grid neighborhoods and are typically approved if screened from the street.