Santa Barbara County, CA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

A carport in the unincorporated County is an accessory structure regulated by the Land Use & Development Code (LUDC), Chapter 35. The LUDC describes an accessory structure as a building with a roof supported by columns or walls, which fits a carport. Like other accessory buildings, a carport must comply with the minimum setback requirements of the parcel's zone, subject to the limited encroachment allowances in the County's site-planning standards (Article 35.3). Because Santa Barbara County has many zones (residential, agricultural, mixed-use), the exact side, rear, and front setbacks for a carport depend on the lot's zone designation, and parcels in hillside, flood, or other overlay zones may have added standards. Building a carport typically requires a building permit under the California Building Code, and structural attachment to a dwelling or an existing garage triggers additional review. In the Coastal Zone, a carport may also need review or a Coastal Development Permit under the certified Local Coastal Program. The County has not published a single countywide carport size or setback number that overrides the zone standards, so the controlling figures are the setbacks of your specific zone. Confirm requirements with Santa Barbara County Planning & Development before building.