Stockton, CA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

A carport, defined as a roofed but largely open structure used to shelter a vehicle, is treated as an accessory structure under Stockton Title 16 Development Code, Chapter 16.40 (Standards for Specific Land Uses), and is also counted toward the off-street parking standards in Chapter 16.36 (Parking and Loading). Unlike a small tool shed, carports are NOT exempt from a building permit under California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) §105.2 because they are not classified as one-story storage sheds 120 sq ft or smaller — instead they fall under Group U occupancy carport rules in CBC Chapter 3. SMC Chapter 15.08 (Building Code) requires a building permit, plan check, and final inspection for any new or replacement carport. Setbacks follow the underlying residential district in SMC Chapter 16.16 (typically a 5-foot side yard and 5-foot rear yard for accessory structures in RL zones; the carport must not encroach into a required front yard unless explicitly allowed). A carport demolished or converted as part of building an ADU does not have to be replaced under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(1)(D)(xi).