Riverside, CA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

A carport is a covered parking structure that is open on at least two sides — enclosing more than two sides makes it a garage, which is regulated differently. Attached carports must be structurally tied to the house, meet the main-dwelling setbacks (typically the front-yard setback of the underlying zone, often 20 or 25 feet), and require a building permit. Detached carports under 120 square feet with no utilities are exempt from building permits but must still meet zoning setbacks, typically 3 to 5 feet from side and rear property lines. Carports in the front yard are generally disfavored and may be prohibited in certain zones or historic districts (Mission Inn area, Wood Streets, Mount Rubidoux). Roofing and posts must be permanent, engineered to carry wind and seismic loads, and in the VHFHSZ, roofing and exposed framing must use ignition-resistant materials. Carports may count toward required off-street parking for the dwelling if they meet dimensional standards (typically 9 feet by 20 feet per space). Fabric or pop-up temporary car canopies are generally not considered carports and may run afoul of aesthetic standards if left up permanently. Solar carports are increasingly popular and receive permit review similar to a standard carport plus solar-PV electrical review. Existing carports at legal-nonconforming setbacks may be maintained but not expanded without conforming to current standards.