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

Santa Paula regulates carports as accessory parking structures primarily under SPMC Section 16.46.110 (Residential Garages and Carports), in conjunction with SPMC Section 16.13.040 (Accessory Buildings and Structures) and Chapter 16.46 generally. Each parking space within a garage or carport must have minimum interior dimensions of 10 feet wide by 20 feet long. Detached garages and carports may be located on the side and rear property lines of a lot provided that roof drainage is designed so runoff does not flow onto adjacent property and that no door, window, or similar opening exists on a wall placed on the lot line. On corner lots, no detached garage or carport is permitted within the required street side yard. On lots where the slope of the front half is greater than 25%, one detached garage may be located within the required front yard provided it is set back at least 5 feet from the front and side lot lines and is no taller than 10 feet. Under SPMC 16.13.040, a single-story detached non-habitable accessory structure 50 feet or more from the front property line must maintain at least a 10-foot setback from the front; otherwise the structure must meet the same setback as the main building. Two-story detached non-habitable accessory buildings must meet the primary-dwelling setbacks of the underlying zone. Single-family dwellings normally need a covered (garage or carport) parking space under Table 46-1 in SPMC 16.46.040, but California Government Code 65852.2 (and SB 1211, eff. Jan. 1, 2025) prevents the city from requiring replacement parking when an existing garage or carport is converted or demolished to build an ADU. A building permit is required for any new carport.