A carport is an accessory structure in Whatcom County. One that exceeds the 200-square-foot exemption needs a building permit, must meet zoning setbacks, and counts toward the lot coverage limits for your zone.
Whatcom County treats a carport as an accessory structure. A very small, freestanding carport within the 200-square-foot exemption skips the building permit, but most carports exceed that and need a permit with a wind- and snow-load review under the adopted building code. A carport must meet the setbacks for its zone, keep required separation from other buildings, and counts toward the maximum lot coverage. Attached carports follow the setbacks of the main house. Homeowner association rules may restrict metal carports.
An unpermitted carport over the exemption size, or one placed in a required setback, draws a code enforcement correction and possible removal or after-the-fact permitting.
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See how Whatcom County's carport rules rules stack up against other locations.
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