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

Section 20-42.030 of the Santa Rosa Zoning Code (Standards for Specific Land Uses, Accessory structures and uses) governs garages and carports for residential properties. Height is capped at 16 feet. Setbacks are strict for street-facing access: the face of any attached or detached garage or carport with street access from the front or corner side must sit a minimum of 19 feet from the property line, back of curb, or back of sidewalk, whichever is greatest, to keep parked vehicles from overhanging the public right-of-way. For alley or private-driveway access, the face must be either between 3 and 5 feet, or 19 feet or more, from the alley line, sidewalk, or curb (whichever is greater) - the in-between zone is prohibited so a partially parked car cannot block the alley. Accessory structures cannot sit closer to the street than the primary residence absent a Variance, Minor Variance, or Minor Adjustment, and they must comply with the underlying zoning district setbacks. Any accessory structure exceeding 120 sq ft of floor area requires a building permit through the Santa Rosa Permit Center; smaller storage structures still need separate permits for any electrical or plumbing. All carports are subject to Design Review for consistent design theme. Construction must meet the current California Building Standards Code (2022 cycle) and Santa Rosa amendments in Title 18, including post-Tubbs Fire Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) standards in fire-hazard severity zones (ignition-resistant materials, ember-resistant vents).