Rochester, NY Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Under City of Rochester Zoning Code Chapter 120, carports are accessory structures and are subject to Article XX, Requirements Applying to All Districts (§ 120-163), plus the bulk and yard requirements of the underlying district. A detached residential carport, like a detached garage, must be located in the rear yard. Attached residential carports may occupy the side yard or the rear yard. In R-1 Low-Density, R-2 Medium-Density, and R-3 High-Density Residential Districts, the minimum rear yard setback for a detached accessory structure is 10 feet. Attached accessory structures in R-1 must observe a five-foot minimum side yard with the combined width of both side yards totaling at least 15 feet, and an attached garage or carport's front setback must equal the principal building's front setback plus 10 feet. No carport may be erected before the principal dwelling has a Certificate of Zoning Compliance. Coverage, height, and lot-area calculations apply per district bulk standards, and any electrical, lighting, or impervious-surface drainage work triggers the corresponding building, electrical, or stormwater permits. Property Code Chapter 90 governs ongoing maintenance, and a carport that gains walls or a sealed garage door may be reclassified as a garage and require additional permitting.