Lakewood, CO Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Lakewood, 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
- Setback from primary structure
- 3 ft from walls, 2 ft eaves
- Non-primary front setback
- 20 feet, all residential zones
- Side/rear setback
- 5 to 10 feet by zone
- Max accessory coverage
- 50% of rear/side yard, 10% of lot
- Small-structure exemption
- 120 sq ft, 10 ft height, no permit
Summary
In Lakewood, Colorado, a detached carport counts as an accessory structure: it must sit behind the front edge of the house, at least 3 feet from it, and within your zone's side and rear accessory-structure setbacks.
A detached accessory structure shall be located a minimum of 3 feet from the primary structure as measured from the closest adjacent walls and a minimum of two feet from the primary structure as measured from the closest adjacent eaves... An accessory structure or combination of accessory structures shall not exceed more than 50 percent coverage of the rear, side, and non-primary front yard area of a lot, and no more than 10 percent of the total lot area.
Full Breakdown
Lakewood's Zoning Ordinance treats a carport as a detached accessory structure under § 17.5.5.1. It must stand at least 3 feet from the primary dwelling's walls, 2 feet from the eaves, and stay behind the front edge of the house. Table 17.5.1 sets the non-primary front setback at 20 feet citywide, with side and rear setbacks of 5 to 10 feet depending on the residential zone. Combined with other accessory structures, a carport can't cover more than 50 percent of the rear, side, and non-primary front yard, or 10 percent of the total lot. Smaller carports (120 square feet or less, under 10 feet tall, no building permit required) are exempt from side and rear setbacks.
Violations & Fines
Violating any Zoning Ordinance provision, including accessory-structure setbacks, is prosecuted under the Municipal Code; each day a violation continues after written notice to correct constitutes a separate violation (§ 17.1.11).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I place a detached carport on my property in Lakewood?
Is there a size cap on carports and other accessory structures?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
How Lakewood compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Lakewood to another location·View the Colorado accessory structures overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Shed & Carport Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jefferson County handle shed & carport rules.