Tracy, CA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Tracy Municipal Code section 10.08.180 establishes the zoning definition of a carport, treating it as an accessory parking structure subject to the accessory building standards of the underlying residential zone. In the Low Density Residential (LDR) zone, TMC 10.08.1220(b) allows detached accessory buildings located on the rear one-third of the lot, or at least seventy feet from the front property line, to be placed in a required side yard (other than a street side yard) or in a required rear yard, provided at least eight hundred forty square feet of open space remains in the rear yard. TMC 10.08.1220(d) requires a minimum six-foot separation between an accessory building and the main dwelling and between accessory buildings. Height for accessory structures in LDR is capped by the zone's general 35-foot, two-and-one-half-story limit at TMC 10.08.1230, and aggregate building coverage cannot exceed 45 percent of the lot under TMC 10.08.1240. Carports above 120 square feet typically require a building permit from the Tracy Building Safety Division and must comply with the California Building Code (Title 24) for fire-resistive construction, foundation, and roof loading. Plans are submitted via plancheck@cityoftracy.org or through the eTRAKiT portal. Attached carports must observe the same setbacks as the main dwelling. Setbacks for the front yard, street side yard, and frontage of the dwelling override accessory building allowances; carports may not encroach into front or street-side setbacks. Carports converted into enclosed garages require a separate permit and must meet garage standards. San Joaquin County standards do not apply within Tracy city limits.