Marion County, OR Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Marion County, OR, 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
- Code chapter
- MCC 17.117 (Rural Zoning)
- Height at lot line
- 9 feet, up to 35 feet
- Rear-yard placement
- On line, 1 ft from alley
- EFU/forest setback
- 20 feet all lines
- Counts toward
- 25% rear-yard coverage
Summary
A carport is a residential accessory structure in Marion County. Its peak height is nine feet at the lot line, increasing with setback to 35 feet, and it counts toward the 25 percent rear-yard accessory-coverage cap under the Rural Zoning Code.
The maximum peak height of any residential accessory structure shall be nine feet at the lot line. Such maximum height may be increased one foot for each one foot of distance from the lot line to a maximum height of 35 feet. Roof drainage shall be accommodated within the confines of the property.
Full Breakdown
Marion County Rural Zoning Code Chapter 17.117 applies to carports as residential accessory structures on unincorporated land. Under 17.117.030, peak height is nine feet at the lot line and may rise one foot per foot of setback to a maximum of 35 feet, with roof drainage kept on the property. In farm and forest zones (EFU, SA, FT, TC), a 20-foot setback from all property lines applies. Section 17.117.060 lets a rear-yard accessory structure sit on the property line except along an alley, where a one-foot clearance is required, and 17.117.020 caps combined accessory coverage at 25 percent of the rear yard. A carport attached within five feet of the home is treated as part of the dwelling.
Violations & Fines
A carport that violates height, setback, or coverage limits, or lacks a required permit, is enforced by Marion County code enforcement or your city through correction notices, fines, or an order to modify or remove the structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a carport be in unincorporated Marion County?
How close to the property line can a carport go?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marion County
How Marion County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Marion County to another location·View the Oregon accessory structures overview
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