Carports in San Diego are permitted as accessory structures in residential zones. Carports and patio covers up to 300 square feet of projected roof area that are accessory to single-family homes are generally exempt from building permits if they maintain minimum 6-foot clearance from other such structures and at least 3 feet from property lines. Larger carports require building permits and must comply with zoning setback requirements.
San Diego regulates carport construction through building permits and zoning. Carports are typically classified as accessory structures subject to setback requirements from property lines (often 3 to 5 feet on sides, further from front). Maximum height limits apply. Carports count toward maximum lot coverage percentages. Attached carports may trigger different requirements than freestanding ones. Materials must meet local building code for wind and snow loads. Some HOAs restrict or prohibit carports. Pre-fabricated carport kits may still require permits.
Unpermitted carports: stop-work orders, required removal or retroactive permitting with penalty fees. Fines $200 to $1,000.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle carport rules.
See how San Diego's carport rules rules stack up against other locations.
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