Carport Rules: Quincy vs Wellesley
How do carport rules rules compare between Quincy, MA and Wellesley, MA?
Quincy and Wellesley have similar restriction levels.
Quincy, MA
Norfolk County
Quincy regulates carports as accessory structures under Quincy Code Chapter 196 (Zoning). Carports must comply with the dimensional and setback requirements of the underlying residence district set by Chapter 196 and obtain building permits from the Department of Inspectional Services under 780 CMR (Massachusetts State Building Code, Tenth Edition).
View full Quincy rules →Wellesley, MA
Norfolk County
Norfolk County has no carport rule. 780 CMR requires building permit. Setbacks governed by each town's zoning. Brookline and Quincy impose strict setback requirements; Weymouth is more permissive.
View full Wellesley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Quincy | Wellesley |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning Chapter | Quincy Code Ch. 196 (Zoning) | - |
| Permit Authority | Dept. of Inspectional Services | - |
| Permit Office | 55 Sea Street | - |
| Building Code | 780 CMR (Tenth Edition) | - |
| Permit Threshold | >200 sf or attached | - |
| Zoning Clinic | Thursdays 2-4 PM | - |
| Phone | (617) 376-1450 | - |
| County Rule? | - | None |
| Permit | - | Required (780 CMR) |
| Quincy Setback | - | 5 ft side/rear typical |
| Brookline | - | 10-15 ft side setback |
| Snow Load | - | 45-50 psf |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Quincy FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a carport in Quincy?
Yes for almost all carports. 780 CMR §R105.2 exempts one-story detached accessory structures of 200 square feet or less, but a typical carport sized to fit a vehicle exceeds that, and any carport attached to the dwelling is part of the principal structure. The Quincy Department of Inspectional Services at 55 Sea Street issues the building, electrical, and structural permits, and zoning compliance with Chapter 196 must be confirmed first. Walk-in zoning clinics are held Thursdays from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.
How close can a Quincy carport be to my property line?
Quincy Code Chapter 196 (Zoning) requires accessory structures to satisfy the side and rear setback of the underlying residence district - the exact distance varies by zone (Residence A, Residence B, Residence C, Residential Multifamily). An attached carport must meet the principal structure's setbacks. Confirm the figure for your lot at the Department of Inspectional Services or apply for a variance through the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Wellesley FAQ
Who enforces carport rules rules in Norfolk County?
Norfolk County's code enforcement division is responsible for accessory structures ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the Norfolk County government website or by calling the main municipal line.
What are typical penalties for violating carport rules rules?
Most Norfolk County accessory structures violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult Norfolk County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.
Compare other topics
See how Quincy and Wellesley compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool