Santa Maria, CA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Santa Maria's parking standards require new single-family dwellings to provide two off-street parking spaces in a garage or carport. Each required covered space must measure at least 9.5 feet by 20 feet interior dimensions, and a single-car carport with side walls between spaces must be at least 11 feet by 20 feet. Any garage or carport with front entry on a street must be set back a minimum of 20 feet from the street property line, except that garages with roll-up doors may be set back a minimum of 18 feet. Chapter 12-27 (Accessory Structures) governs accessory structures in residential zones, including detached carports that are not part of the main building. Single-story accessory structures located behind the main building may project into interior side and rear yards, provided they do not exceed 9 feet in height at the property line, increase progressively up to 14 feet at a point 5 feet from the property line, and provided that all accessory structures together do not cover more than 25 percent of the required rear yard; an accessory structure projecting into a rear yard adjacent to a public alley may be up to 20 feet in height. Detached accessory structures must be located at least 5 feet from any dwelling or other structure on the same lot and must comply with the underlying zone's setback rules. Attached carports become part of the main building and must meet the main building's setbacks and standards. Building permits are required for carport construction, and electrical or other trade work requires its respective trade permit. Carports serving accessory dwelling units are addressed separately under the city's ADU rules, which are framed by California Government Code Section 65852.2.