Carport Rules: Eagle Mountain vs Orem

Can I install a metal carport in front of my house in Eagle Mountain?

No. Eagle Mountain Municipal Code Chapter 17.25 prohibits prefabricated metal carports in the front yard in residential zones. A prefabricated metal carport may only be installed in a side or rear yard that meets the accessory structure setback and lot coverage standards in the Residential Development Standards Table at EMMC 17.25.040. A permanent attached carport built as part of the home's architecture is regulated under the principal-structure setbacks for the zone.

Do I need a permit to build a carport in Eagle Mountain?

It depends on size and utilities. Accessory structures of 200 square feet or fewer that have no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical service do not require a city building permit, but they must still meet zoning setbacks, lot coverage, and height limits in EMMC 17.25.040. A carport larger than 200 square feet, attached to the house, built on a permanent foundation, or wired for lighting or outlets requires a building permit from Eagle Mountain's Building Division and must be built to the Utah Residential Code as adopted.

Can I build a carport in my front yard in Orem?

Only if it sits at least forty (40) feet back from the front property line. Section 22-6-8(D) of Orem's Chapter 22 zoning code states that no accessory building or structure may be constructed in a front yard unless it is set back at least 40 feet from the front property line, and it cannot encroach into a required side yard adjacent to a street. Most lots will not satisfy that 40-foot envelope, so carports typically end up attached to the home or placed in the rear yard.

How close to my house can my Orem carport sit, and how big can it be?

An accessory structure that needs a building permit must be at least six (6) feet from the primary structure on the lot, and the combined footprint of all accessory buildings on a single-family lot is capped at eight percent (8%) of the parcel area (twelve percent for multifamily). Carports over 500 square feet or 50% of the home's footprint must also use residential styling with matching roof pitch and materials. The Orem Building Division reviews carport permits under the Utah State Construction Code.