Carport Rules: Ontario vs San Bernardino
How do carport rules rules compare between Ontario, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Ontario and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario allows carports on residential lots subject to zoning setbacks and a building permit for any carport 200 sq ft or larger. Properly sized carports count toward required covered parking.
View full Ontario rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
Carports in San Bernardino need a building permit and must meet setback and height limits under the Development Code. Prefab metal carports require engineered plans for wind and seismic loads.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ontario | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Permit threshold | 200 sq ft or any permanent | - |
| Setbacks | Usually 3-5 ft rear/side | Typically behind front building line and 3 to 5 ft sides |
| Counts as parking | If 9 ft x 18 ft minimum | - |
| Wind load | CBC Risk Category II | - |
| HOA note | Fabric carports often banned | - |
| Permit required | - | All carports need a building permit regardless of size |
| Engineering | - | Wind and seismic engineering required for the design |
| Height | - | Usually 12 to 15 ft maximum |
| Enclosure rule | - | Enclosing 3 sides reclassifies as a garage |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ontario FAQ
Can I put a metal carport in my Ontario driveway?
Only with a permit that shows proper engineering and zoning setbacks. Temporary fabric carports are widely prohibited in front yards by HOAs and may be cited as substandard.
Does a carport count as my required covered parking?
Yes, if it meets the minimum 9 foot by 18 foot space size, vertical clearance, and permitted construction. Oversized tandem spaces may also count.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I put a carport in my front yard?
Most zones require covered parking behind the front building line; driveway parking pads without a roof may be closer to the street.
Do prefab metal carports need a permit?
Yes. San Bernardino requires a building permit with engineered plans for all carports, including prefab metal kits.
Can a carport count as my required parking space?
Yes if its inside dimensions meet the required parking stall size, typically at least 10 by 20 ft, and setbacks are met.
Compare other topics
See how Ontario and San Bernardino compare on other ordinance categories.
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