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Jefferson County, CO Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Shed permit rules in Jefferson County, CO, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.

Key Facts

Classification
Accessory structure
Square-footage cap
Not more than primary residence
Footprint cap
75% of primary structure footprint
Setbacks
Per underlying zone district
Height
Per underlying zone district

Summary

Carports and garages are accessory structures in Jeffco. Combined accessory square footage (garages, sheds, ADUs, carports) cannot exceed the primary residence's square footage, and an accessory structure's footprint may not exceed 75% of the primary structure's footprint. They must meet the zone-district setbacks and height limits.

City-specific rules exist: Lakewood, and Arvada have their own shed & carport rules rules that differ from Jefferson County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

The footprint of an accessory structure may not exceed 75% of the footprint of the primary structure. The footprint shall include attached garages and fully enclosed porches, but shall not include decks or porches, even if covered.

Full Breakdown

Section 19.B.6 provides that accessory uses in all residential zone districts cannot exceed the square footage of the primary residence, and that accessory square footage includes attached and detached garages, sheds, ADUs, and all listed accessory uses. Section 19.B.7 adds that the footprint of an accessory structure may not exceed 75% of the footprint of the primary structure (counting attached garages and enclosed porches, but not decks or covered porches). A carport, like any accessory building, must meet the setback and height limits of the underlying zone district. Jefferson County has no single county-wide carport dimension rule beyond these accessory-structure caps; the applicable zone district controls setbacks and height.

Violations & Fines

A carport or garage that exceeds the accessory square-footage or 75% footprint limits, or violates setbacks, is a zoning violation under C.R.S. 30-28-124 subject to correction orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a size limit on my carport?
Yes indirectly: total accessory square footage (including the carport) can't exceed your home's square footage, and an accessory structure's footprint can't exceed 75% of the primary structure's footprint.
What setback applies to a carport?
Carports must meet the accessory-structure setback and height limitations of your property's zone district; check your specific district or contact Jeffco Planning & Zoning.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Jefferson County

All Jefferson County rules

How Jefferson County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Jefferson County to another location·View the Colorado accessory structures overview

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Shed & Carport Rules in Cities Across Jefferson County