Taunton, MA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Taunton Zoning Ordinance Chapter 440 treats carports as accessory structures. § 440-201 (Definitions) defines an accessory structure as any structure not intended for human occupancy, expressly listing carports along with sheds and other nondwelling buildings. § 440-711 (Accessory Structures) provides the dimensional rules: the structure must be accessory and clearly subordinate to the primary structure and use of the lot; the length-to-width ratio cannot exceed 3:1; and for accessory structures 120 square feet or smaller, the side and rear setbacks are reduced to two-thirds of the standard setback for the underlying zoning district. Carports larger than 120 sq ft must meet full district side and rear setbacks. § 440-711 also notes accessory structures are those that do not need a building permit, but Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR § 105 still requires a building permit for any roofed structure exceeding 200 sq ft (the 105.2 small-structure exemption maxes out at 200 sq ft for one-story sheds), and electrical work for a powered carport requires separate trade permits under 527 CMR. Carports attached to the principal dwelling are typically treated as additions and must meet full principal-structure setbacks plus 780 CMR review. Front-yard carport placement is constrained by the underlying district yard requirement; corner-lot vision-clearance triangles also apply.