Washington DC requires a building permit for carports through the Department of Buildings (DOB). Carports are regulated as accessory structures under the DC Zoning Regulations (Title 11 DCMR) and must comply with rear yard, side yard, and lot occupancy limits for the applicable residential zone (R-1 through R-5).
Carports in Washington DC are accessory structures regulated under the DC Zoning Regulations of 2016 (Title 11 DCMR) and the DC Construction Codes (Title 12-A DCMR), which adopt the 2015 IRC with DC amendments. A building permit issued by the DC Department of Buildings (DOB), which assumed the permitting functions of DCRA, is required for any new carport. Carports are typically required to be located in the rear yard. Setback requirements, maximum height (commonly 20 feet for accessory structures), and lot occupancy limits vary by zone (R-1 through R-5, RA, and RF series). In historic districts, the Historic Preservation Office (HPO) must review the design before a permit is issued. Carports attached to a principal dwelling are typically counted toward the lot occupancy of the principal building. Detached carports are subject to accessory structure standards in Subtitle D of the Zoning Regulations. Confirm specific zone requirements with DOB at 202-671-3500.
Unpermitted carport: NOV with 15-30 day cure, NOI fines $1,000-$4,000. Stop work order possible. HPO violations carry additional penalties.
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