Tacoma, WA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Tacoma Municipal Code Chapter 13.06 governs detached accessory structures in residential districts, including carports. Per the Tacoma Permits residential garages and sheds tip sheet, detached accessory structures are limited to 15 feet in height as measured under the Building Code (View Sensitive Districts may differ). The total combined size of all detached accessory structures on a parcel cannot exceed the smallest of: 85 percent of the main house's building footprint, 15 percent of the parcel area, or 1,000 square feet. A structure placed in the rear yard and completely behind the rear building wall of the main dwelling needs no zoning setback, but corner lots must observe the main building side yard setback along the corner side property line, and the structure must sit on the same parcel and behind the front wall of the main dwelling. When vehicle access is from the street rather than an alley or side street, the carport must be set back at least 5 feet behind the front facade of the house or the front of a covered porch. A building permit is required for any addition or new accessory structure 200 square feet or larger; smaller carports may still need zoning clearance and an electrical permit if powered. Building permits are issued by Planning and Development Services (PDS) under TMC 2.02 and the 2018 IRC. Confirm specific zone setbacks with PDS at 253-591-5030.